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FWHCC

Aug 25
0

City Council Action on DEI & MWBE | FWHCC

By | Official Statements and Letters from the President | No Comments

On August 5, 2025, the Fort Worth City Council voted to suspend all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) programs in response to new federal directives. While this decision presents challenges, it also creates an opportunity for growth, innovation, and collaboration. The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. We will continue to stand up for the interests of our members and the broader business community, within the boundaries set by these new guidelines.

Rest assured that behind the scenes, we are working diligently to ensure that your voices are heard. Together with our colleagues, we have actively advocated for policies that uplift minority-owned businesses. We remain committed to supporting your success as we navigate these changes. Our dedication to securing equitable opportunities for all members is steadfast, and we will continue to push for policies that promote a fair playing field for everyone.

The City Council has already begun the process of establishing a new small business development program that will expand contracting opportunities and provide essential resources to small businesses across Fort Worth. This initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring that businesses, particularly those that have historically faced barriers, have access to the support they need to succeed.

We are proud to say that, alongside the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, we have worked together to address these challenges. Through our collective effort, we are now focused on the following primary areas:

  • Supporting Businesses of All Sizes: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We are committed to ensuring that businesses of every size have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.

  • Inclusive Advocacy: Our focus is on ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or business size, have the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. We will continue to advocate for policies that guarantee fairness and equity for all businesses.

  • Spanish-Language Programs: We are committed to developing and promoting programs fully in Spanish to ensure that every member has access to Chamber resources and opportunities without barriers. Additionally, we will continue consultations with our Spanish-speaking members to ensure that these programs meet their needs and effectively support their business growth.

  • Collaboration for Lasting Impact: Through our continued partnerships with the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, we are working together to create long-term, impactful solutions that will ensure Fort Worth remains a place where businesses of all sizes can succeed.

These are some of the primary areas we will focus on moving forward. However, our work doesn’t stop here. We have plans in place to continue developing and enhancing new programs and initiatives that will further support and strengthen our local business community.

As we continue these efforts, we would like your support. While we are doing everything within our power to move this initiative forward, its success will depend on our collective action. We have a clear plan, but it is only through working together that we will make it a reality. Your involvement is crucial, and we need your commitment to help us turn this vision into action.

While these times may seem uncertain, please know that you have our word at the Chamber. Our team is here to support you, to explain the changes, and to work together to navigate this new landscape. We are committed to being a steady partner in this journey, and we’ll continue to advocate for your success.

Together, we will make sure that Fort Worth’s business community remains strong, resilient, and united.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you,

Aug 25
0

Empowering Hispanic Entrepreneurs: 1 Million Cups Launches First Spanish- Language Community in Fort Worth

By | FWHCC News | No Comments

The new weekly event connects innovators, mentors, and startups in their native language.

Fort Worth, TX – The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s national entrepreneurship program, 1 Million Cups, will launch its first all-Spanish-speaking community on Wednesday, September 3 at 9:00 a.m., hosted at Accelerate Fort Worth, 1150 S. Freeway Bldg. 600, Fort Worth, TX 76104. This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster innovation and community among Hispanic entrepreneurs in Fort Worth.

1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free, weekly gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.

Since 2014, 1 Million Cups has been active in the Fort Worth community in English only. Beginning in September, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders, and other interested community members are invited to attend in English or Spanish each Wednesday at Accelerate.

The program’s model is consistent in each city: Every Wednesday morning, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers, and other entrepreneurs. Each presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience.

“The opportunity to start a Spanish-speaking 1 Million Cups community in Fort Worth is exciting and will provide more resources to serve Hispanic entrepreneurs, and the Hispanic community in such a unique way,” says Brian Harris, Executive Director for Accelerate Fort Worth.

“Launching 1 Million Cups in Spanish is more than an event, it’s a statement about inclusion, access, and opportunity,” says Ericka Garza, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Our Hispanic entrepreneurs bring incredible innovation and resilience to Fort Worth, and now they will have a space that reflects their culture and language while connecting them to resources, mentorship, and capital. This is how we strengthen our entire business ecosystem.”

The inaugural Spanish-speaking 1 Million Cups in Fort Worth will feature presentations by TND Geomatics, a full-service professional land surveying firm, and Saltus Training Group, a bilingual training firm focusing on business formation, business plan development, financial planning, curriculum creation, and professional skill development. Both are locally minority- and women-owned businesses.

Visit the national website at www.1millioncups.com and access the 1 Million Cups Fort Worth en Español microsite
here.

About Accelerate Fort Worth

Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with the strategic tools, resources, and networks they need to build scalable, sustainable businesses. Through a focus on accountability, confidence-building, and growth, Accelerate supports entrepreneurs in expanding their capacity, accessing capital, and connecting with a robust ecosystem of mentors, coaches, service providers, and peers. Special emphasis is placed on supporting minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, as well as those from traditionally underserved or economically disadvantaged communities.

For over 25 years, Accelerate has been a driving force in cultivating a vibrant startup culture in Fort Worth. The organization operates from the historic James E. Guinn Entrepreneurial Campus, located at I-35 and Rosedale. To learn more, visit www.acceleratefortworth.org.

About the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) has proudly served the business community since 1973, working to foster economic growth, provide access to opportunity, and champion the success of Hispanic and minority-owned businesses. Through strategic partnerships, programs and advocacy, FWHCC empowers entrepreneurs and strengthens the region’s diverse business ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.fwhcc.org.

About the Kauffman Foundation

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens.

For more information, visit www.kauffman.org.

Media Contacts

Brian Harris
Executive Director
Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation
(817) 201-7019
brian@acceleratefortworth.org

Christian Argueta Soto
Minority Business Enterprise Specialist
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
(817) 625-5411
Cristian.ArguetaSoto@fwhcc.org

Join us for coffee, conversation, and community every Wednesday at Accelerate Fort Worth.

Aug 04
0

Building with Purpose: How FWHCC Is Strategically Shaping the Future for Businesses

By | blog, FWHCC News | No Comments

As the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) wraps up the second quarter of 2025, we’re proud to share a powerful update on our work: the Q2 Impact Report—a snapshot of where we’re going and how we’re getting there.

This quarter wasn’t just about programs and events. It was about intentional planning, bold strategy, and laying the foundation for the next phase of Hispanic business empowerment in North Texas.

What’s Inside the Q2 Impact Report

Our focus this quarter was clear: ensure that every initiative we take on is aligned, data-driven, and built for long-term impact. In this report, you’ll discover:

✅ A Strategic Framework That Guides Our Mission

We’ve identified five core pillars that will shape our programming and advocacy efforts moving forward:

  • Workforce & Talent Development

  • Infrastructure & Place-Based Investment

  • Business Growth & Retention

  • Advocacy

  • Business Attraction & Marketing

These pillars reflect the needs of our members and position FWHCC as a statewide leader in economic equity and innovation.

✅ Becoming the Leanest Chamber in Texas

We’re launching Six Sigma initiatives to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of our services. This means greater efficiency, smarter use of resources, and more value for our members.

✅ Investing in Organizational Capacity & Insights

We’re deepening our use of the Net Promoter System (NPS) to capture real-time member feedback and improve service delivery. Plus, we’re building internal market reports to equip stakeholders with data they can use to guide smart investment and business decisions.

Why This Matters to Fort Worth’s Hispanic Business Community

By focusing on strategy this quarter, we’re setting the stage for stronger, more resilient Hispanic-owned businesses. Our programs—including Seminarios, Bankability Blueprint, and Lanzar Fort Worth—were all designed with your feedback and success in mind.

And we’re not done. We’re doubling down on:

  • Data-driven programming

  • Member-first decision making

  • Cross-sector collaboration

Read the Full Report & Join the Movement

Visit the link below to explore the full Q2 2025 Impact Report and see how your chamber is turning strategy into action.

https://simplebooklet.com/fwhccquarterlyimpactreportq2

Jan 27
0

“Mario Valdez: Leading the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber into a Bright Future”

By | blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has long served as a pipeline for talented Hispanic leaders in its community, and Mario Valdez is a testament to that tradition. Valdez has been named the 2025 Chairman of the Board for the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC). He brings a unique combination of personal perseverance, professional expertise, and community dedication to this leadership role.

Growing up in the rural village of La Encarnación in Zacatecas, Mexico, Mario relocated to California at the age of eight. As the first in his family to graduate from high school, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the College of Environmental Design at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

After an early career in California, Valdez moved to Texas in 2010 and joined Quorum, a Fort Worth-based architecture and interior design firm. Over the years, he has worked on diverse projects, including retail, municipal, senior living, and animal care design. A passion for animal care led him to design the veterinary clinic he co-founded with his wife, Cristina, a veterinarian, in 2016.

Mario has been deeply involved in community service and professional organizations, earning widespread recognition. “The chamber welcomed me immediately when I attended my first function 13 years ago,” he shared. “From that moment on, I’ve always felt welcomed and included in Fort Worth.” He was honored as the FWHCC Ambassador of the Year in 2014, named a 40 Under 40 professional by Fort Worth Business Press in 2018, and received the Young Professional Award from AIA Fort Worth in 2022. Most recently, he was recognized as an Emerging Latino Leader in FWHCC’s 50th Anniversary Publication and named an inaugural member of the Fort Worth Forum in 2024.

Valdez’s leadership roles include serving on several committees for the AIA Fort Worth including the Homes Tour, the “House for…” Exhibit and the Latinos in Architecture Committee, and as a Board Member for the YMCA Benbrook Branch. In the past, he has held various leadership positions within FWHCC, including Ambassador Chair, and served as a SteerFW Board Member and Volunteer/Membership Committee Co-Chair. These experiences will undoubtedly inform his role as Chair of the chamber.

Just as he was warmly welcomed in Fort Worth, Valdez and the board aim to extend that same hospitality to others who are new to the community, the chamber, or business leadership. Valdez’s commitment to fostering opportunities for Hispanic leaders and small businesses through FWHCC programs, such as the Business Pitch Competition and MWBE certification support, underscores his dedication to the chamber’s mission. He emphasized, “The business assistance we provide to small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs, many of whom face language barriers, resonates deeply with me.”

Looking ahead, Valdez is optimistic about FWHCC’s future. “Thanks to the progress achieved under our outgoing President and CEO, Anette Landeros, and the unwavering support of our board and community leaders, I am confident we will have another record-breaking year in 2025 as we remain relevant and vibrant in the community,” he stated. His leadership, coupled with a forward-thinking team, positions the chamber for continued success in fostering economic growth and empowering Hispanic leaders.

While Anette Landeros is irreplaceable, Valdez is confident in the prospects of finding an inspiring leader to guide the chamber into its next chapter. “Our only challenge will be selecting just one from the wealth of talented applicants, each of whom would bring visionary skills to lead our chamber,” Valdez said.

Valdez and the board also recognize the importance of honoring the many successes, programs, and initiatives made possible by the continued support and partnership of their members, corporate sponsors, and civic leaders. He expressed deep gratitude for the support the chamber continues to receive from past leaders, which includes past chairs Ish Arebalos, Gloria Starling, Michael Dimas, Alex Gimenez, Carlos de la Torre, Abel Sanchez, Larry Anfin, Sandra McGlothlin among others, and past Presidents and CEOs John Hernandez, Rosa Navejar, and, of course, Anette Landeros. “Together, we are shaping the future of Fort Worth, and I am confident that the best is yet to come,” Valdez stated.

Jan 26
0

2024 Research: Empowering Fort Worth Businesses with Insights

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Fort Worth Business Research and Insights: Understanding the Challenges of Business Owners in Fort Worth
In 2024, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) undertook a comprehensive research project to identify the key challenges faced by Hispanic business owners in our region. This initiative included collaboration with the nonprofit research organization, The Hispanic Project, as well as leveraging findings from studies like Cities Work’s Small Business Insights Week. Through 80+ interviews, 354 survey responses, and 80+ focus group attendees, we gathered invaluable data that shaped our understanding of barriers to success and informed our programming.
Key Findings:
  1. Barriers to Growth and Access to Capital: Hispanic-owned businesses face unique challenges in surpassing revenue thresholds. For example:
    • 30% of Hispanic-owned businesses generate $50,000–$100,000 annually, compared to 20% of non-Hispanic businesses.
    • Only 7% reach $200,000–$400,000 in revenue, compared to 9% of non-Hispanic businesses. Many business owners rely on personal financial risk rather than traditional funding sources, creating significant hurdles for scalability. This highlighted the need for financial literacy training and expanded access to funding opportunities.
  2. Workforce Challenges:
    • Retaining and hiring employees remains a critical issue, with many Hispanic business owners turning to family or close friends. However, this can introduce challenges like unclear expectations and mismatched skills.
    • Training programs and succession planning were identified as essential tools to address these workforce gaps.
  3. Local Market Engagement:
    • Hispanic businesses show a strong tendency to scale out of state (37%) but underutilize local markets (23%). By emphasizing local engagement strategies, these businesses can reduce operational risks and build long-term sustainability.
  4. Family Business Sustainability: Research revealed that only 30% of family businesses survive the transition to the second generation, and 47% lack a successor. This underscores the importance of education around governance, succession planning, and family dynamics to ensure generational success.
  5. Regulatory Challenges: Entrepreneurs voiced concerns about complex permitting processes, limited access to city resources, and unclear pathways to business certifications, all of which can delay or prevent success.
 
The Road Ahead:
By fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Hispanic businesses, the FWHCC is uniquely positioned to create impactful solutions. From enhancing access to capital to providing bilingual support, we aim to build a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that empowers Hispanic entrepreneurs to thrive locally, regionally, and beyond.
Our commitment to data-informed programming ensures that the voices of our community are heard, their needs addressed, and their businesses positioned for generational success. Through continued research, partnerships, and advocacy, we are building a Fort Worth where Hispanic businesses can achieve their fullest potential. Get the full report by emailing gilberto.atayde@fwhcc.org

How You Can Use This Data

The Fort Worth Business Research report is invaluable for creating tailored strategies to address the unique challenges faced by Fort Worth businesses. Whether you’re a business owner looking to tackle these issues or a corporate entity seeking ways to support the community, this data serves as a starting point for informed decision-making.

To read the full report and dive deeper into the findings, click here. This report is a vital resource for anyone invested in Fort Worth’s economic development and business growth.

External Resources We Used to Collect Data

Our Fort Worth Business Research and findings were instrumental in the creation of our Banking Council, a vital resource aimed at enhancing access to capital and financial literacy for Fort Worth businesses. By identifying the unique challenges local businesses face, we developed this council to connect entrepreneurs with tailored banking products, mentorship, and resources. Join our Banking Council today and be part of an initiative that drives economic growth and financial stability for our community.

Additionally, this research guided the topics for our Seminarios, a series of bilingual workshops designed to address the most pressing needs of business owners. From financial planning to succession strategies, these workshops provide actionable insights and support based on real-world data. Learn more about our Seminarios program and see how they can empower your business!