Up-and-coming Hispanic startups are strengthening Arizona’s economy top to bottom

Verde Valley News – Forty-five Hispanic entrepreneurs from Maricopa County and 10 from Yavapai County are boosting the statewide economy as they prepare to graduate from Local First Arizona’s Spanish-language business accelerator Fuerza Local.

The startups from Cottonwood, Sedona, Mesa, Maryvale, central Phoenix and south Phoenix range from restaurants to photography and life coaching to construction.

Fuerza Local is a six-month business training course offered in Spanish at no cost to local business owners to support them in obtaining the necessary resources and tools to have healthy and successful businesses. 

With a goal of building an inclusive, sustainable Arizona economy, Local First Arizona has graduated more than 800 leaders since 2013 from Fuerza Local and more than 40 leaders since 2020 from its Black-centered business academy, We Rise.

The programs aim to end age-old racial wealth gaps and unfair banking and lending practices by connecting Hispanic and Black business owners to mentors, customers, the community and sources of capital. 

During Fuerza Local, entrepreneurs learn everything from basic fundamentals to advanced skills to develop their businesses, creating a firm foundation to achieve their short- and long-term goals. All classes are taught by professionals and experts in the area, offering participants the opportunity to learn from years of experience and knowledge.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these graduating cohorts. Their hard work and dedication inspire everyone,” said Local First Arizona CEO Kimber Lanning. “More than 800 small business entrepreneurs have graduated from this six-month program, which is helping to shape the future of Arizona, in our rural and urban areas alike. Our most sincere congratulations to all of these amazing business owners.”

The two graduation ceremonies celebrating the entrepreneurs’ dedication and hard work also will include displays of their products and services for attendees and future clients.

Space is limited, so secure your seat now.

Graduation for Maryvale, Mesa, central Phoenix and south Phoenix:

• WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 
• WHERE: Versalles Palace Event Center, 4344 W. Indian School Road #100, Phoenix, AZ 85031
• RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/450189613952812

Graduation for Cottonwood/Sedona:

• WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27
• WHERE: Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
• RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/697415832052531

Fuerza Local in Maricopa County is sponsored by the City of Mesa, Arizona Community Foundation, MariSol Federal Credit Union, Hensley Beverage Company, Thunderbirds Charities, Maricopa County, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Arizona Financial Credit Union and APS. 

Fuerza Local in Yavapai County is sponsored by the City of Sedona, City of Cottonwood and Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa.

Visit www.fuerzalocal.org to learn more about the program, donate or apply.

Fuerza Local graduates – January 2023

COTTONWOOD/SEDONA

• Antojitos, LLC
• Bocha’s Restaurant Mexican & Amercian Food, LLC
• Constantino and Son’s Landscaping, LLC
• Dulce Desert Cakes, LLC
• Heaven’s Flowers, LLC
• Jalisco’s Landscaping & General Work, LLC
• K&G Cleaning Services, LLC
• Martha Sandoval Cakes, LLC
• Villalpando’s Landscaping, LLC
• Verde Valley Weed Control, LLC

MARYVALE:

• AC Cool Valley LLC
• Antojitos Puro Jalisco LLC
• Desert Gold Concrete LLC
• Elegancee Entertainment International LLC
• Jabon Artesanal Joven Gonzalez LLC
• La Canasta de Luz
• Mariscos y Clamatos AAA LLC
• Mireya’s Boutique LLC
• Ohh Senoor LLC
• Sisters Party LLC
• Sweet Life Creations LLC
• Tamashii LLC

MESA:

• AG Insurance Brokers LLC
• Blanca’s House Cleaning Az LLC
• Canastacos LLC
• El Sazon Emi Dos Almas
• Family Life Coaching
• Lavatodo, LLC
• Mis Frutisnacks
• New Heritage Painting & Cork LLC
• Pamirel LLC
• The Michoacana Yummy Yummy Place LLC

CENTRAL PHOENIX:

• A & MES Investments LLC
• Bertha’s Bakery LLC
• El Tamaluki LLC
• Hobby Print LLC
• Human & Training Services Marla LLC
• Liz Cleaning Service LLC
• Majestic Lux Studio LLC
• Perfectic LLC
• Sabor y Alegria Mexicana LLC
• Sonora Granite, LLC
• Tacos Monkey LLC

SOUTH PHOENIX:

• Arellanos Truck Equipment Services LLC
• Armored Frame Construction LLC
• Cakes Coffee & More By Blanca LLC
• Chunky Tacos LLC
• Colocha Creations LLC
• Conce’s Cleaning, LLC
• Dessertslu LLC
• El Taco Dorado y Postres, LLC
• Embroidery Plus Az LLC
• JJM AC Tech LLC
• Paletas de Queso LLC
• This Is Jess Photography LLC

About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action and food access.  Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona’s economy and builds hometown pride. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally-owned businesses.