Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Centro Hispano will host the inaugural Impacto Latino Business Expo to bring together local Latinx-owned businesses, business professionals, entrepreneurs and UNCW students. The expo is scheduled for Nov. 12 in the Warwick Center.

Nationwide, Latinx-owned businesses are opening faster than other groups at a 44 percent growth rate compared to only four percent for non-Latinx-owned firms, said Centro Hispano director Edelmira Segovia, ’98, ’12Ed.D.

“We are seeing evidence of this growth in our region; some businesses are long-standing and expanding, while others are start-ups with great growth potential,” she said. “However, as a community, we might not be aware of our Latinx representation in certain business or professional sectors, which is why we hope to build a stronger network through Impacto Latino.”

The expo will provide an opportunity to establish mentors and professional connections for UNCW’s newly created Latinx Business Student Association and other interested students, Segovia added. Impacto Latino would also open doors to potential future employment or internships.

Centro Hispano will showcase student success stories and a newly created scholarship sponsored by a Latinx-owned business during the event. 

“We want to create a sense of belonging and support for Spanish-speaking business owners. Several businesses serve a majority Spanish-speaking clientele, including Seahawk families,” said Segovia. “Impacto Latino also serves as a foundation for our current UNCW students envisioning themselves as future entrepreneurs.”

The Latino Business Expo begins at 2 p.m. in the Warrick Center and 4 p.m. reception in the Burney Center. Individuals interested in attending Impacto Latino must register by Nov. 6.

Impacto Latino is supported by the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Cameron School of Business, Watson College of Education, the Chancellor’s Office, the Business Affairs Office and the Office of Global Partnerships and International Education.

-- Venita Jenkins
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