Latino Business Report

How to Get HUB Certified in Texas and Free Resources to Grow Your Business

Episode 23 - In this episode Project Director Terri Reed of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s MBDA Business Center talks about the plethora of free resources the center has for minority business owners. Listeners will learn about how their business can become HUB certified, usually in one day at no cost. Reed also covers the benefits of other state and federal certifications. 
You do not need to be from El Paso to apply for certification or to receive resources.
For more information or to get started, you can contact Ms. Reed at the MBDA Business Center-El Paso at 915-351-6232.
 
 

Texas Lawmakers On The Lam: Breaking a Special Session Quorum

Episode 22 - In this episode, you will hear from 3 Texas State Representatives Art Fierro, Christina Morales, and Erin Zwiener. These lawmakers talk about the reason they decided to break quorum and why they are in Washington DC for the duration of the Special Session.

Vecinos, Love Thy Neighbor: An Award-Winning Independent Film That Tells Our Story – A Latino Story

Episode 21 - Vecinos, Love Thy Neighbor is an award-winning independent feature-length film written by Rupert Reyes and directed by Alex Avila.  Vecinos all Latinx cast and crew features Rupert Reyes, Alma Chapa Moore, Julio Carreon-Reyes, and Karinna Perez Cantu as the movie’s main characters.
Vecinos tells the story of neighbors, brought together by proximity, but held together by something much more personal.  This romantic comedy reminds us that no matter how easy it is to lose your identity in a city that will not sit still, it is even easier to lose it when you are the one sitting still.
Watch the Trailer - https://vimeo.com/464611597

Amanda Solis, From Selena Impersonator to Breakout Artist

Episode 20 - Followed by tens of thousands on social media, Amanda Solis is best known for her live tribute performances of Tejano icon Selena. In this podcast, Amanda tells how it all started, and what she as been through. Find out what is next for this blooming young recording artist and actress.
Listener Bonus: Be one of the first to preview Amanda's new song "Chiflas," - (this song is not yet available to the public)

Bean and Chisme: Changing the Way We look at Ourselves and Our Latino Culture

Episode 19 - By day Samantha Najera and Nina Duran, are business professionals at the top of their game. By night and weekends, Najera and Duran transform into San Antonio’s dynamic duo Lil’ Chismosa & Lil’ Frijolita, hosts the hit Web show Bean & Chisme.
As self-proclaimed “Hoodrats” Najera and Duran take comedy, Latinx culture, and things polite people don’t talk about to a whole new level.  
Link to Hoodrat Cumbia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KAQA1wG0zM 

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ a Savory Blend of Texas Foods and Culture

Episode 18 - An interview with Miguel Vidal owner of  Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, one Austin's most popular Food Trucks. Miguel shares a few cooking secrets of his famous BBQ. and also talks about his plans of expanding from a Food Truck to brick and mortar restaurant.

Comedian Shayla Rivera Tells Her Story and How Humor is Essential for Resilience

Episode 17 - From TED Talks to her own HBO Special, comedian Shayla Rivera understands how laughter and humor are not only the best medicine, but they are also paramount for resilience. From NASA to the comedy stage, Shayla’s story includes breast cancer to the loss of her son. Hers is a story of Keep on Keeping on.
Shayla's Web Site - https://shaylarivera.com/ 

Does My Small Business Really Need an Employee Handbook?

Episode 16 –  Although an employee handbook is not legally required, every business should have one. In this short episode, Leonard Trinidad of Solve HR lays out the importance of why every employee should be provided with an updated copy of your employee handbook.  
For additional HR information visit - https://solvehr.com/ 

How Small Businesses Can Use Press Releases to Market Themselves

Episode 15 – There are ways to brand and market your company other than paid advertising. In this episode, we interview Bill Gato, CEO, Co-Founder, and Partner of Latinx Newswire, and Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, Co-Founder of Brilla Media, RetroPop Media, and Hispanicize.
Take advantage of  Bill and Angela’s marketing and public relations expertise. Learn how even a small business can get great media coverage without having to pay for it.

The Complicated Plight of Immigrants, Dreamers and DACA Recipients in the U.S.

Episode 14 – In this episode Host, J.R. Gonzales has a candid conversation with Eddie Aldrete about Immigration, Dreamers, and DACA. Aldrete has been named one of the Top 100 most influential figures in Texas politics and government and one of the most influential people in San Antonio.
As an IBC senior vice president, Eddie Aldrete monitors local and federal policies that directly impact the financial services industry, international trade, economic development, immigration, border security, and other issues that impact the communities the bank serves.
From 2018 to 2021, Aldrete served a three-year term as chairman of the board of directors of the Washington, DC-based National Immigration Forum.  Additionally, he is the past chairman of the Texas/Mexico Trade Coalition where he spearheaded efforts for the Texas Association of Business in support of the US/Mexico/Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).  Aldrete is heavily involved in issues related to immigration reform, border security, as well as the demographic shifts and trends that may have possible negative effects on the state and national economies. He is currently the co-chair of the Texas Opportunity Coalition, a group of businesses, institutions, executives, and leaders from across Texas who are dedicated to passing a federal congressional DREAM Act that provides permanent legal status to Dreamers.