In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Troy University, under the auspices of the Sorrell College of Business, hosted a vibrant and empowering workshop on October 15 at the Enterprise Business Incubator.
Titled “Obteniendo un Préstamo de Negocio (Obtaining a Business Loan),” this event provided invaluable education to local entrepreneurs on business lending, personal finances, and the steps to securing funds for their businesses.
The event, held in collaboration with organizations such as the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), drew a significant turnout, underscoring the entrepreneurial spirit within the Hispanic community. Attendees filled the room, eager to learn about funding options that could help them grow their small businesses or launch new ventures.
Throughout the evening, the workshop covered essential topics, including understanding loan application processes, personal financial management, and how to prepare a strong business case for lending institutions. The session was interactive, with a dynamic exchange of questions between the presenters and participants. Many attendees expressed their eagerness to improve their financial literacy and shared stories of their entrepreneurial dreams.
“This workshop is not just about lending; it’s about empowerment,” said Juliana Bolivar, the Director of the SBDC at Troy University. “We want to give the Hispanic community the tools they need to thrive in the business world, and we’re meeting them where they are—within their own communities.”
She emphasized the importance of providing resources that reflect the unique needs of the Hispanic community.
“We understand that every business journey is different, and our goal is to equip Hispanic entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the financial landscape,” she said. “We adapt to the needs of the community by bringing these workshops directly to them, in locations that are convenient and at times that fit their work schedules. By partnering with organizations like ¡HICA!, we can offer even more targeted support, empowering them to take the next steps in their business journey.”
Partnering with organizations such as ¡HICA! enables the SBDC to offer additional resources and guidance, helping participants connect with even more services that can help sustain and grow their businesses. The collaboration was a testament to the SBDC’s commitment to fostering a strong and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alabama.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support local businesses, the SBDC regularly offers workshops and educational events in both English and Spanish. Its goal is to ensure that minority entrepreneurs have access to the same resources and opportunities as everyone else.
By the end of the event, attendees left with not only practical knowledge about business loans but also a sense of empowerment and confidence that they could take the next steps toward achieving their business goals. The SBDC looks forward to continuing to support these entrepreneurs in their journeys and hopes to host many more successful events like this in the future, Bolivar added.
