WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United States
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation recognized three high
school students from California and Texas during the National BizFest
Youth Entrepreneurship Competition. The competition took place during
the 2013 USHCC National Convention in Chicago, where winners were
announced at a special BizFest Reception.
BizFest is an intensive entrepreneurial training program, sponsored by
this year's 2013 National Convention Corporate Chair Bank of America,
which teaches high school youth how to turn their hobbies into
profitable business ventures. At this national event, 12 of the top
students from the regional BizFest competitions vied against one
another for three coveted spots, and the chance to win a college
scholarship. The first, second and third place winners were slated to
receive $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively.
In this year's national competition, first place was awarded to Tatyana
Bradberry from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor in California
who presented her project, E-Vents. Second place went to Lupe
Martinez-Nateras from Irving, Texas with J.E.S.A Catering. Third place
went to Sarah Cervantes for her business plan, Extravagant Events.
In addition to the winners, finalists included:
Kaitlyn Andrews (San Pedro, CA) — Gap Year Round the WorldAlexander
Arredondo (Wilmington, CA) — Food for EducationElvin Bonilla (Irving,
TX) — Tutor UEnrique Guadian (Fort Worth, TX) — Bright N' FitJulio
Jimenez (Wilmington, CA) — All NaturalGuadalupe Paulin (For Worth, TX)
P & G PalletsVanessa Solorio (Wilmington, CA) — Monkey CupcakesElsa
Tovar (Fort Worth, TX) — Just for the Health of ItErik White (San
Pedro, CA) — White Shine Dental
“I am inspired by the talent and innovation exhibited by these young
people,” said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. “Hispanic youth
are the future of America's business community, and I trust each and
every one of this year's Bizfest participants will be an
entrepreneurial leader of tomorrow. Congratulations to Tatyana, Lupe,
Sarah, and the nine other top competitors for their success in this
rigorous competition.”During the BizFest program, expert trainers from
the University of Texas — Pan American taught the students various
business techniques including how to network in business environments,
how to deliver presentations and how to develop succinct pitches.
Students also worked to refine their winning business plans from the
regional competitions then presented them to an esteemed panel of
judges which included Bank of America representatives. Throughout the
competition, students attended credit building and financial education
workshops presented by Bank of America. Students also had the
opportunity to bring their theoretical networking lessons to life as
they met with successful Hispanic entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“We are proud to support this unique opportunity and advance the
entrepreneurial spirit of our youth,” said Kerry Sullivan, president of
the Bank of America Foundation. “Our partnership with the USHCC
Foundation has encouraged this impactful and innovative program, which
promotes the development of personal interests into viable business
opportunities.”
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and
development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of
over 3 million Hispanic owned businesses across the United States that
contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year.
It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local
Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and
Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.USHCC.com
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs
life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and
educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial
spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure
that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve
success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org
for more information on the USHCC Foundation.
CONTACT: Valentina Pereda
USHCC Director of Communications
202-489-2932