Tucson implements Spanish accelerator to boost small businesses

TUCSON, AZ – The City of Tucson’s Office of Economic Initiatives announced a new Spanish-language small business support program called ‘Sazón Empresarial’ that focuses on underrepresented minorities, women-owned companies and businesses in the food service industry.

The program, which begins on June 8, 2022, aims to ensure that food-based businesses are successfully accelerated in their development through various resources and support services. It will also help elevate small and medium-sized businesses through the use of innovative curriculum and consistent assessments.

According to City Hall, the bulk of the program will take participants from start to finish, producing tangible materials and teaching best practices; it will also be offered in Spanish only.

Participants will be guided by expert mentoring and instruction and will build networks among peers and teachers; while trainings will take place in a local coworking space.

“We are thrilled to offer this new program to help local entrepreneurs who want to accelerate their food business; it is designed to help small and medium-sized local establishments that are at the heart of our community,” said Francisca Villegas, Tucson small business program manager.

According to Barbra Coffee, director of Economic Initiatives, this accelerator is part of an effort to offer more programming to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs.

“This training is most meaningful and effective when it is delivered in the entrepreneur’s native language. We are pleased to offer this course as part of our overall small business technical assistance program,” Coffee said.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff