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Growing a Healthy Business Seminar

Chelsea, Massachusetts | October 29, 2019

The Hispanic-American Institute proudly hosted the "Growing a Healthy Business" seminar, an empowering event designed to support small business owners with tools, resources, and knowledge to thrive in today's competitive landscape. Held at Williams Middle School in Chelsea, MA, the seminar brought together business leaders, community advocates, and industry experts for an engaging evening of learning and networking.

doing work together

The event kicked off with registration and networking, followed by welcoming remarks from Alice Murillo, Associate Provost at Bunker-Hill Community College, and Nader Acevedo, Executive Vice President of the Hispanic-American Institute. The keynote presentation by Juan Lopera, Vice President of Marketing for Public Plans at Tufts Health Plan, addressed the pressing topic of "Affordable Health Care for Small Business Owners," offering practical insights and solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses.

 

A dynamic resource panel moderated by Alberto Calvo, co-owner of Stop and Compare Markets, covered critical topics, including:

  • Affordable health care solutions

  • Access to capital for business growth

  • Business education and workforce development

  • Initiatives supporting small businesses along Chelsea's Broadway Corridor

  • Strategies for building capacity and financing to achieve business growth

 

One of the key contributors was the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), a quasi-state financial agency that provides small business lending and technical assistance to underserved communities. Alison Moronta, Loan Officer and Grant Manager at MGCC, presented valuable information on accessing capital and resources for business growth. MGCC specializes in creating opportunities for women, minority, immigrant, and veteran-owned businesses. Their loan products and services include SBA microloans, term loans, lines of credit, and matching grants for professional services. MGCC has financed over $122 million since its inception and continues to be a critical resource for businesses in low-to-moderate-income communities.

 

The seminar also featured an interactive Q&A session, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and discuss their specific business challenges. The evening concluded with a vibrant networking reception, fostering connections among attendees and encouraging collaboration.

 

This event is part of the Hispanic-American Institute's commitment to advancing the social, educational, and economic development of Hispanic communities. By equipping small business owners with actionable insights and access to valuable resources, we continue to drive sustainable growth and economic opportunity.

 

For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.hainst.org or contact us at info@hainst.org.

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