The Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia has not only grown in its 17 year existence but also provided a space for its members to expand their own businesses.
For Rick Tapia, founder of La Bodega Internacional, which produces artisanal bourbon whisky, the organization acted as a source of guidance and direction when he created his company two years ago.
“In many ways the chamber has not only helped me to set up my business but rather it has allowed me to benefit from the different programs that exist for minority business owners and also get to know the consumers of my product,” explained Tapia, a Peruvian native.
The beginning
As Hispanics began arriving in droves to Georgia 20 years ago in search of employment, the opportunities to develop new businesses increased as well.
LACC was born in 1998 as an initiative of a group of Hispanic entrepreneurs who felt it was time to create an organization that would represent their needs and interests.
Originally known as the Mexican-American Business Chamber, the organization changed its name four years ago to reflect the work it does for entrepreneurs who hail from all parts of Latin America.
“In the beginning we were working with people who wanted to start their own companies. Latinos are very business minded and Latina women are even more so,” said Alejandro Coss, president of LACC.
Throughout the years, the organization has developed training and educational programs so that business owners can discover the opportunities that exist in order for them to grow their companies and be able to work with the government and other corporations, as well as become familiarized with the rules and regulations with which they must comply.
Furthermore, the chamber also provides important networking opportunities for business owners. “Being able to obtain new prospects for your business and finding yourself with clients you have already met, I think that creates a presence for you in the market, it gives your company a presence,” said Lourdes Moscoso, a real estate agent and LACC member.
Significant growth
The increase in Latino owned businesses in Atlanta is notable, according to Coss.
“We can see it in the revitalization of areas such as Plaza Fiesta and that whole section of Buford Highway, and in areas in Gwinnett and Cobb,” he said.
At the same time, this growth “contributes to the state’s gross domestic product. They are businesses that continue to help the state to remain competitive and attractive. They create employment,” added Coss.
In the coming year, LACC will reincorporate programs whose goal will be to help business owners who are just starting out, to “hold their hand” through the process, said Coss.
As well, the chamber will also focus on continuing to expand the number of classes and educational workshops it offers.
“Business owners are working day after day and sometimes they aren’t looking at what is happening, but rather they are trying to figure out how to make money each day. It’s important to know about these opportunities, the networking and the education, in order to keep developing,” explained Verónica Maldonado, program director for the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection.
“We exist to support our members. We are a source of information. We are a source of contacts. We create opportunities to develop relationships with potential clients, with potential suppliers of all types, and that is something that has a lot of value,” assured Coss.
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