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FWHCC News

Jun 11
0

FWHCC Named Finalist for D CEO’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award

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We’re proud to share that the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) has been named a finalist for D CEO’s 2025 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards in the Nonprofit of the Year category!

This recognition is more than just a title—it’s a reflection of the tireless work, deep-rooted partnerships, and powerful momentum we’ve built alongside our members, community stakeholders, and corporate allies.

Leading with Impact and Intention

In our application for this year’s award, we shared how FWHCC has evolved into more than a traditional chamber of commerce—we’ve become an economic driver, a connector, and a voice for Hispanic entrepreneurs. Over the past years, we’ve launched new programming aimed at closing the revenue gap for minority-owned businesses, created more accessible pathways to capital, and built bridges between business owners and public institutions. We are also incubating a unique project with help from the City of Fort Worth called the Historic Northside which led to our nomination this year.

About the Historic Northside Project

The Historic Northside Project is a community-centered revitalization effort focused on preserving, reinvesting in, and uplifting one of Fort Worth’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods. Located just north of downtown and adjacent to the iconic Stockyards, the Historic Northside has long been a vibrant hub for Hispanic and immigrant communities.

This project aims to:

  • Engage residents in planning and decision-making, ensuring redevelopment reflects community values and needs.

  • Support small business development and workforce opportunities tied to construction and neighborhood services.

Spearheaded by a coalition of community organizations, city leaders, and local chambers like FWHCC, the project is a model for equitable growth—where heritage is preserved and families are empowered.

From our mentorship initiatives and financial literacy workshops to our advocacy at the state capitol and our soon-to-launch leadership program, we continue to challenge what chambers can and should do. Our impact model is rooted in equity, community-led design, and cross-sector collaboration.

Thank You to Our Community

We are honored to be recognized among so many inspiring organizations doing critical work across North Texas. This recognition belongs to all of you—our members, board, partners, staff, and supporters—who continue to believe in the power of community-driven leadership.

Stay tuned as the winners are announced later this year—and thank you for helping us make history, together.

#SomosFWHCC #NonprofitOfTheYear #CorporateCitizenship #HispanicBusinessExcellence

Apr 28
0

Celebrating Growth: Our New Quarterly Impact Report Highlights Community Success

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We’re excited to announce the release of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Impact Report! This new report reflects the incredible work made possible by the dedication of our members, partners, and community supporters like you.

At the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, our mission is not only to serve as a voice for business but to be a catalyst for economic development, operational growth, and community impact. The launch of this Quarterly Impact Report gives us a chance to showcase the tangible results of your support — both in the public-facing initiatives you see and the internal operational improvements that fuel our continued success.

What You’ll Find in the Report:

  • Highlights of key initiatives and events that connected, educated, and empowered local businesses

  • Success stories of members and organizations making a difference

  • Metrics demonstrating our growth in membership, event participation, advocacy efforts, and program launches

  • A closer look at how investments in our operations have increased our ability to support Hispanic-owned businesses and future entrepreneurs

Every project, event, and program we deliver is a reflection of a growing and engaged network that believes in building a stronger Fort Worth through business leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Why This Matters:
Supporting the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is about more than attending events — it’s about being part of a broader movement that drives opportunity, equity, and economic empowerment for Hispanic entrepreneurs and the entire business community.

The Quarterly Impact Report gives transparency to our efforts and shows the real, measurable outcomes of the trust and resources you invest in our mission.

Stay Connected:
We invite you to download and read the full Quarterly Impact Report to see the many ways we are building momentum for a brighter future. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for helping us turn vision into reality.

Together, we are creating lasting impact — and this is just the beginning.

View Full Report

Apr 09
0

Fort Worth Chamber Launches Homelessness Toolkit to Support Local Businesses

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Fort Worth, TX – In response to growing concerns from business owners across the city, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has officially released its Homelessness Toolkit for Businesses. This actionable resource is designed to help business owners navigate the challenges caused by homelessness while offering tailored solutions to protect their operations and foster community partnerships.

Why This Toolkit Matters

According to recent data gathered through the Chamber’s Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) surveys, homelessness was ranked as the number one challenge among small businesses in Fort Worth in 2023. Out of 420 businesses surveyed, a staggering 65% reported that homelessness was directly impacting their daily operations. In response, the Chamber formed a Homelessness Task Force last fall to explore practical strategies and compile effective resources that could be used by local entrepreneurs and large businesses alike.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

The toolkit includes:

  • Proven strategies to reduce the operational impact of homelessness.

  • City and nonprofit resources to refer individuals in need.

  • Guidance on creating a safer and more supportive business environment.

  • Contacts and communication strategies for working with local public safety teams and outreach groups.

The toolkit is now available in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility across Fort Worth’s diverse business landscape.

A Collaborative Effort

This toolkit was created with input and support from:

  • City of Fort Worth staff

  • Fort Worth Police Department

  • Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

  • Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

  • Downtown Fort Worth Inc.

  • Camp Bowie District

  • Near Southside, Inc.

  • Local business leaders and nonprofit organizations

This collaborative approach ensures the toolkit reflects the real challenges Fort Worth business owners are facing while providing long-term, community-focused solutions.

Download Homelessness Toolkit

Descargar el Kit

Chamber collaboration

Apr 07
0

Kit de Herramientas de Preparación para Familias Indocumentadas

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🛡️ Preparación para Personas Indocumentadas en el Norte de Texas: Protege tu Futuro y el de Tu Familia

Vivir en el norte de Texas como persona indocumentada conlleva muchos retos. Desde preocupaciones legales hasta el acceso limitado a recursos, es fundamental estar bien informado y preparado. En la Cámara Hispana de Comercio de Fort Worth, entendemos las preocupaciones de nuestra comunidad y hemos desarrollado un Toolkit de Preparación para Personas Indocumentadas que ofrece guías y mejores prácticas para protegerte a ti y a tus seres queridos.

📌 ¿Por qué es importante prepararse?

  1. Proteger a tu familia: Tener un plan en caso de emergencia migratoria ayuda a mantener a la familia unida y protegida.

  2. Acceso a recursos: Muchas personas desconocen los servicios disponibles para quienes no tienen estatus migratorio. Nuestro toolkit detalla a qué recursos puedes acceder.

  3. Evitar fraudes: Estar informado te permite identificar engaños comunes y evitar a personas que se aprovechan de la comunidad inmigrante.

  4. Sentirte con poder: Saber tus derechos y tener tus documentos organizados te da más confianza y seguridad.

📲 Recurso Recomendado: ConsulAppContigo

Una de las herramientas más útiles disponibles para nuestra comunidad es la aplicación ConsulAppContigo, la cual puedes descargar desde tu teléfono móvil (Apple o Android). Esta aplicación:

✅ Ofrece alertas de emergencia para notificar a familiares si ocurre un incidente
✅ Proporciona información sobre consulados y sus servicios
✅ Tiene recursos legales y contactos útiles
✅ Está disponible en español y es fácil de usar

Descárgala aquí:

📘 Descarga el Toolkit Gratuito de la Cámara

Hemos preparado un toolkit completo para que las personas indocumentadas puedan planificar, organizar sus documentos, y conocer los recursos legales en Fort Worth. Incluye plantillas de poder legal, listas de emergencia, y más.

👉 Haz clic aquí para consultar nuestro Toolkit de Preparación

💬 Conclusión

Prepararte no significa que estás esperando lo peor, significa que estás tomando el control de tu presente y tu futuro. La preparación es un acto de amor propio y protección familiar. Desde la Cámara Hispana de Comercio de Fort Worth, seguimos comprometidos con brindarte herramientas, recursos y apoyo en cada paso del camino.

Jan 19
0

SBDC Partnerships: Empowering Small Business Resources

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Building strong relationships between Chambers of Commerce and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) is crucial for fostering economic growth and supporting local entrepreneurs. Chambers, such as the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC), serve as a hub for business networking, advocacy, and resources, while SBDCs provide valuable support in areas like business planning, financial management, and strategic growth.

The Benefits of Partnering with SBDCs

  1. Comprehensive Business SupportSBDCs offer specialized training and consulting services that complement chamber programs such as our Banking Council and Advocacy Committee. By working together, chambers and SBDCs can provide a more holistic approach to business development, ensuring entrepreneurs receive the guidance they need to succeed.
  2. Increased Access to Funding OpportunitiesMany small businesses struggle with securing funding. SBDCs can connect businesses to loans, grants, and other financial resources, aligning with chamber efforts like our Events Committee to secure sponsorships and fundraising opportunities. This partnership helps businesses become more financially stable and investment-ready.
  3. Enhanced Training and WorkshopsChambers can collaborate with SBDCs to host joint workshops and educational programs that focus on financial literacy, marketing strategies, and growth planning. Our Ambassador Program is a great example of how chamber members can engage with such educational initiatives to further their business acumen.
  4. Networking and Community EngagementA partnership with SBDCs can increase networking opportunities for chamber members by connecting them with business experts, government resources, and potential investors. Collaborations like these also strengthen the chamber’s role in supporting local economic development initiatives.
  5. Policy Advocacy and Business SupportChambers often work closely with policymakers to advocate for small business-friendly policies. By partnering with SBDCs, chambers can leverage data and case studies to push for meaningful legislative changes that benefit the business community. Our Advocacy Committee plays a crucial role in this effort, ensuring our members’ voices are heard at the local, state, and national levels.

How to Strengthen Chamber-SBDC Relationships

  • Host Joint Events: Organize networking mixers, training workshops, and panel discussions that involve both chamber members and SBDC advisors.
  • Share Resources: Develop co-branded educational materials that highlight the services offered by both organizations.
  • Cross-Promotion: Utilize chamber newsletters and social media platforms to promote SBDC services and vice versa.
  • Collaborate on Grant Applications: Work together to secure funding for joint initiatives that benefit small business owners.

Conclusion

Establishing a strong partnership between Chambers of Commerce and SBDCs enhances the support ecosystem available to small businesses. Whether it’s through shared resources, co-hosted events, or policy advocacy, this relationship empowers entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the local economy.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or learn more about SBDC resources available in your area.

SBDC 1-on-1 Advising