WTOP is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino people and places across the D.C. region.
In 1976, Americans were celebrating the country’s bicentennial, while Cuban-born José Antonio Font was helping launch the Ibero American Chamber of Commerce in D.C. Fifty years later, the organization, now known as the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its golden anniversary — and the growing influence of Hispanic-owned businesses across the D.C. region.
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“At the beginning, people weren’t really sure if Hispanics were going to be able to make an impact,” Nicole Quiroga, the chamber’s president and CEO, told WTOP. “Over the years, we’ve shown our resiliency, our ability to really impact the economy with our businesses.”
The chamber supports Latino and other minority-owned businesses through networking, advocacy, education, technical assistance and access to capital.
Quiroga estimates there are just under 70,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the region, including restaurants, construction companies, painting and cleaning services, and technology-related businesses.
She also said Hispanic women are starting businesses at a faster rate than white men, a finding supported by Stanford University’s 2023 State of Latino Entrepreneurship report.
In communities such as Silver Spring, Maryland, Falls Church, Virginia, and neighborhoods throughout D.C., Hispanic-owned businesses are growing, according to Quiroga.
Remaining challenges
But Quiroga believes the rapid growth of the Latino business community isn’t always getting the attention it deserves.
“There are corporations who haven’t really been able to figure out a way to speak to the Hispanic community that needs them,” Quiroga said.
She pointed to banks as an example, saying some need to do a better job of making sure their staff represents the Hispanic community they serve.
The chamber has experienced growth of its own, with membership increasing from approximately 200 at one point to 550 today.
While Hispanic businesses have demonstrated their staying power, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, Quiroga said challenges remain.
Funding is another challenge. Quiroga said grants and corporate sponsorships allow the chamber to hire consultants who provide technical assistance and education to business owners.
“The more of a team we have, the more protected our members are,” she said.
‘Legacy in Gold’
As the chamber looks toward its next 50 years, Quiroga has a message for the region’s business community.
“If we work together, we’re going to be building a stronger economy because Hispanics are just such a big part of it,” she said.
As the chamber celebrates its anniversary, it is preparing to mark the milestone with its “Legacy in Gold: 50 Years of Moving Business Forward” gala on Nov. 7 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C.
More information about the anniversary celebration is available on the chamber’s website.
IUSTITIA.BG – Investigations 2009-2026 2026-10-12 08:54:46
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