The 19th edition of Hispanic Entrepreneurs Magazine – Issue 19: Business, Community, and Latino Entrepreneurship in the USA – is packed with useful and practical content for Hispanic entrepreneurs in the United States. In this issue, you'll find everything from how to validate a business idea to the concrete steps for opening an LLC, as well as the inspiring story of a Venezuelan who turned his dream into a Latino supermarket in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The Hispanic Entrepreneurs Academy reopens its doors
In the editorial of this edition we announced the return of the Hispanic Entrepreneurs AcademyA blended learning program, combining in-person and online instruction, for the entire Hispanic community in the United States. No matter what state you're in, you can participate and receive your certificate of participation.
The Academy is part of Hispanic Entrepreneurs' commitment to the education and economic growth of our community.
👉 Enroll in the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Academy
APSU: The center that puts the Latino community on the Tennessee college map
Austin Peay State University (APSU), located in Clarksville, Tennessee, is today the public institution with the highest Latino access score in the state7.7% of its student population identifies as Hispanic, an achievement driven in part by its Latino Community Resource Center (LCRC).
Formerly known as the Hispanic Cultural Center for 16 years, the center changed its name to be more inclusive and accurate in its mission: to serve Latino students through real resources: tutoring, FAFSA sessions, group counseling, laptop and calculator loans, and integration activities such as the Get Your Act Together Retirement at the beginning of each semester.
“I like being here because I can feel more connected to who I am,” says Kemeliz Fuentes, a sophomore at APSU.
This example demonstrates that when institutions invest in inclusion, the results are measurable and concrete.
How to validate a business idea before investing
One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make is launching without validation. In this edition, we share... 7 key steps to find out if your business idea has real viability:
- Define your idea clearly. — What problem does it solve, and for whom?
- Research the market — Is there demand? Who is your competition?
- Create a business model canvas — visualize all the components of your company
- Use online resources to get feedback — forums, groups, communities
- Test with potential customers — surveys, interviews, focus groups
- Build a prototype — minimum viable before launch
- Consult experts — a mentor or advisor can save you from costly mistakes
Validation isn't a waste of time. It's protecting your investment and increasing your chances of success.
👉 Schedule a consultation with Hispanic Entrepreneurs
David Rojas: El Supremo Supermarket, the best of Latin American food in Clarksville
David Alejandro Rojas arrived in the United States from Valencia, Venezuela, in 2017 with a dream and few certainties. After working 13 to 14 hours a day in a store without rest or recognition, he made the decision that would change his life: to start his own business.
Today, The Supreme Supermarket (924 E Providence Blvd, Clarksville, TN) has been operating for over three years and has become a landmark for the Hispanic community in Montgomery County. The business offers products from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and all of Latin America: cuts of meat, fruits, vegetables, beverages, phone top-ups, and international money transfers.
Their business philosophy is clear: “The key to success in any job is maintaining a good staff.”David offers his employees monthly bonuses, two-hour lunch breaks, and a team-oriented work environment — benefits he himself never had when he was an employee.
His message to Hispanic entrepreneurs: “Never give up, value yourselves, set goals, look for opportunities”.
(I.e. How to contact them: Facebook: El Supremo Supermarket | Tel: 305-762-0523
What is an LLC and how to open one in 5 steps
If you're thinking about formalizing your business in the United States, the LLC (Limited Liability Company) It is the most recommended structure for most Hispanic entrepreneurs. These are its main advantages:
- Limited liability protection (your personal assets are protected)
- Tax flexibility (can be taxed as an individual, company or corporation)
- Easy to create and maintain in most states
The 5 steps to open your LLC:
- Choose the name — must include “LLC” and comply with state regulations
- Presents the Organizational Articles — before the LLC division of your state
- Appoint a registered agent — person or company with a physical address in the state
- Create an operating agreement — defines rules, capital, and profit distribution
- Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number) — online, by fax or mail to the IRS
With your EIN you can open a bank account in your company's name and operate formally.
👉 Do you have questions about how to open your business in the USA? Speak with us
