WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in collaboration with Ford Motor Company Fund, announced today the six winners of the regional 2013 BizFest Youth Entrepreneurship program in Los Angeles, CA. This innovative entrepreneurship program teaches high school students how to successfully turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures, giving them firsthand exposure to business planning and development. Delivered by the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA), BizFest is a signature program of the USHCC Foundation. For the second regional BizFest this year, the USHCC partnered with the Los Angeles Harbor Boys & Girls Clubs, which co-hosted the event from August 20-22, 2013.
"The immense talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit showcased by this year's Los Angeles regional BizFest participants served as an inspiration for everybody in attendance," said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHCC. "Our nation's youth are the future of America's business community, and the USHCC is proud to partner with Ford in order to execute programs that foster the development of these young entrepreneurs. I'd like to thank Mayor Garcetti for welcoming our national program to his city and for supporting the students' entrepreneurial spirit and success."
"Ford Fund has been empowering communities through programs that enhance education and community life for more than six decades," said Joe Avila, manager of community outreach, Ford Motor Company Fund. "The education and empowerment of the next generation of leaders is a critical priority for Ford Fund."
The six finalists from Los Angeles selected to compete in Chicago include: Kaitlyn Andrews, Alexander Arredondo, Tatyana Bradberry, Julio Jimenez Jr., Vanessa Solorio and Erik White.
Prizes for the top six winners included a trip to Chicago, IL, to compete against the BizFest 2013 winners from across the country at the USHCC 2013 National Convention. Participants in the regional BizFest in Los Angeles also received a certificate from Mayor Garcetti's office. Students at the national competition will compete for college scholarships and have additional exposure to internship and networking opportunities.
"We are so proud of our students who participated in BizFest and grateful to the USHCC Foundation for selecting our organization to host the event. Whether participating in our rigorous College Bound program or helping their local communities, our teens are always looking for ways to improve themselves and BizFest was a very valuable learning experience," said Mike Lansing, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.
About the USHCC
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 USHCC 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.