Hispanic incubator seeking applicants
The region’s first Spanishspeaking business incubator program for Hispanics and Latinos is taking registrations for a new program being organized in Dalton, Georgia, by the Georgia Northwestern Technical College, the Dalton Innovation Accelerator and a South American entrepreneur who supports other Hispanic entrepreneurs.
“During a conversation about how to serve our communities better, we recognized a need for a Spanish incubator like DIA [Dalton Innovation Accelerator],” Leyner Argueta, an instructor at GNTC, said in an announcement of the new program.
Argueta, who will serve as program facilitator, said the incubator program is the first of its kind in the region.
The Dalton Innovation Accelerator is providing mentorship opportunities, access to the office and warehouse space during the program, promotional opportunities, administrative support and a networking event as part of the program.
“This program is fantastic for individuals that may have completed the Latin American Association’s ¡AVANZANDO JUNTAS! [Moving Forward Together], or similar programs,” Lauren Holverson, executive director of the Dalton Innovation Accelerators, said in the announcement of the program. “We want to build a pipeline of programs and services that assist entrepreneurs in each phase of their journey.”
Viviana Ramirez, owner of Eclectic79 and Casa Del Café in Dalton, hosted meetings once a month before the pandemic to help young Hispanic entrepreneurs to get started by connecting them with resources they need. She is working to resume that schedule now because she constantly receives requests for help obtaining an EIN, registering a new business in Georgia, etc.
“We are about a 50% Hispanic/ Latino population in Whitfield County,” she said. “This will really help to get these entrepreneurs going with what they need.”
The 10-week program will meet twice weekly at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton. The course costs $350, which is due at the time of registration. To register, go to bit.ly/3CEFblN.