Provided

Spanish Leads Initiative

 También puedes leer este artículo en español, ¡Ahora estás hablando mi idioma!

The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce has recently started an exciting new chapter for the surrounding area. First in the state, the Spanish Leads Initiative is a networking group that benefits Hispanic and Latino businesses, providing them with resources and helping them grow.

Jorge Gonzalez, the chamber’s director of business development, proposed the idea to his leadership team, and it soon took off. 

“We started working on it at the beginning of the year; our first meeting was in May,” Gonzalez said. “We understand as a chamber the importance of creating opportunities for membership, and helping them grow as a business in their roles.”

The hour-long meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Every member gets a chance to give a 30-second elevator pitch about their business and what they’re looking for.

Gonzalez said 22 people attended the first meeting, but as word spread, the number of attendees rose to 28. Some travel from as far away as Jonesboro.

“We’re shifting cultural perspective and cultural barriers, and highlighting the importance of networking, professional development and building competence. The more people we’re able to positively impact through this, the more we’re able to help the community in the state,” Gonzalez said.

In the future, Gonzalez strives to double the membership numbers and get word out to non-Spanish speaking communities as well.

For Amilcar Guzman, who runs an auto body shop in North Little Rock, the best thing about the initiative is the opportunity to learn about the variety of Hispanic-owned businesses.

“I think it’s fascinating to be able to show up and meet new businesses; I think it’s going to be good for my business. And it’s a really interesting experience, being able to meet other people and understand what they do,” Guzman said, noting his business has gained an additional three customers from the organization.

The initiative also gives members new relationships and provides a familiar environment. 

“Language is connected to culture,” said member Maria Weyrens, who handles business development and community outreach for First Security Bank. “And it’s not exclusive to just Latinos or Hispanics – there’s people that come that just want to practice their Spanish. But the language definitely helps the people in the room get to feel connected to their culture. It makes [meetings] feel a little more relaxed.”

As the program grows, Gonzalez aims to show people that the Spanish Leads Initiative is a place where everyone can be a part and contribute.

“It’s not just business, it’s community, it’s products and services,” Gonzalez said.

“And it’s really exciting.”