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

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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.

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+ interviews354 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 SustainabilityResearch 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!

Free Rapid COVID Testing for Small Businesses

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Beginning February 4, small businesses in Fort Worth can apply for free BinaxNow rapid COVID-19 tests through the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC). Apply online!

In an effort to support the continued operation of small businesses throughout the State of Texas, the FWHCC will be participating in a program established by Governor Abbott to provide BinaxNow rapid COVID-19 tests to small businesses in their communities. Small businesses will be required to be trained on proper testing protocols, to include test administration and reporting of results as required by law.

“Our community has been devastated by the loss of loved ones and community leaders,” said FWHCC President/CEO Anette Landeros. “Our Chamber feels a sense of duty to help in any way possible, which now includes coordinating the dissemination of free COVID test kits so that small businesses can test employees and help keep their workers safe. Faster confirmation of a positive COVID case will hopefully help us slow the spread.”

The FWHCC will make the BinaxNow test kits available to any existing or new chamber member business with fewer than 500 employees. TDEM will provide BinaxNow test kits, facemasks, training, and support. Participating businesses will identify staff members to be trained to administer the tests and report the results as well as determine the manner that the voluntary testing will be conducted for their employees. All testing of employees must be voluntary and not a condition of employment. Businesses will also be responsible for establishing appropriate policies for addressing positive COVID-19 test results of their employees, including the notification of local health departments.

Businesses can register for free BinaxNow test kits beginning on February 4th by visiting www.fwhcc.org or calling 817-625-5411. Read the full press release.

Preserve the Fort

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Preserve the Fort initiative offers $10 million in grants to Fort Worth small businesses

The City of Fort Worth recently received approximately $158 million in funding from the CARES Act, and is partnering with the United Way of Tarrant County to distribute $10 million of those funds to Fort Worth small businesses through the Preserve the Fort small business grant program.

Of the $10 million allocated for Preserve the Fort grants, $2.5 million will be dedicated to supporting minority-owned businesses, and another $2.5 million is reserved for businesses located in the city’s Neighborhood Empowerment Zones and Designated Investment Zones – areas of Fort Worth that are predominantly low-to-moderate income, which the city has already identified for revitalization efforts.

Grant applications will be processed with the help of partners at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce.

Applications for Preserve the Fort grants open Tuesday, May 26, and will close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15. Business owners can apply at fortworthtexas.gov/preserve-the-fort.

“These grants are critical to helping support and preserve the city’s small business community, which has helped define so much of Fort Worth’s character,” said Robert Sturns, the city’s Economic Development Director. “As businesses across the state start to reopen, these grants can help offset some of the costs from the recent shutdown and provide a way forward for those small businesses who have been hit hardest.”

“We applaud the City of Fort Worth for developing the Preserve the Fort Grant Program and using CARES Act funding to help our small business community,” said Leah King, President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to so many small business owners who had to close because of the shelter-in-place restrictions. It is our sincere hope that these funds allow them to get back on their feet and position them for long-term success.”

Eligibility

Grant funds are open to businesses who fit the following criteria:

  • Small business (250 employees or less).
  • Located within the City of Fort Worth, with a Fort Worth mailing
  • Registered to do business in the State of
  • Business must have been in operation since 1, 2019.
  • Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and nonprofits serving the business community are also

If a business has already received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they are still eligible to receive these funds. However, priority will be given to businesses that have not received funding through these programs.

For more information about eligibility requirements and other questions, a list of frequently asked questions is available on the Preserve the Fort webpage in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Funding information

Depending on the number of full-time staff a business employed as of March 17, 2020, the funding levels are:

  • Micro-enterprises with less than 5 employees are eligible for a grant of $5,000.
  • Level I businesses (with 6-25 employees) are eligible for a grant of $7,500.
  • Level II businesses (with 26-50 employees) are eligible for a grant of $10,000.
  • Level III businesses (with 51-250 employees) are eligible for a grant of $50,000.

Preserve the Fort grant funds can be used to reimburse the costs of business interruption due to COVID-19 as a result of required closures, voluntary closures to promote social distancing, or decreased customer demand. A complete list of examples is available on the Preserve the Fort webpage.

Businesses who receive grant funding are required to document how the funds are used.

Before applying

Business owners can complete the Preserve the Fort funding application more quickly by getting the following business documents in order:

  • A completed W-9
  • Documentation of Going Concern and Business This will require one of the following documents: Secretary of State Texas File Number, Employee Identification Number, DBA, 2018 or 2019 tax return (schedules not required), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or Certificate of Filing.
  • Proof of This will require one of the following documents: W-3 form, 941 form, or other document showing payroll expenses, employer insurance expenses, or employer retirement expenses for the first quarter of 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 emergency declaration on March 17, 2020) as well as the most current version of this document.
  • Profit & Loss (P&L) statement for 2019, as well as a P&L statement as of March
  • For sole proprietors, applicants are required to provide a 2018 or 2019 Schedule

Once business owners compile this information, they can visit fortworthtexas.gov/preserve-the- fort to begin their application.

Questions and application help

Because this may be the first time that many business owners are applying for financial aid, there are a variety of resources available to help make this application process as simple as possible.

In addition to FAQs and other documents available on the Preserve the Fort website in three languages, Tarrant Small Business Development Center is staffing a call center to help business owners prepare their application documentation or fill out their applications between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the call center for assistance at 817-515-2603.

For more information about the Preserve the Fort grant program, contact the City of Fort Worth Communications & Public Engagement Office at 817-392-8889 or by emailing fwmedia@fortworthtexas.gov.

Small Business Grant Program

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You’ve invested in our community, and with the support of Facebook, we want to invest in you. The funds received from the Support the Fort: Small Business Grant Program may be allocated for the following expenses: mortgage/rent, inventory, working capital, payroll, marketing, or IT innovation.

The grant will be in amounts up to $5,000. The Fort Worth Chamber Foundation will disburse the funds among eligible small businesses once the selection process is complete. APPLY NOW!