USHCC Foundation and Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Bring First Annual Bizfest to Dallas

“On April 25-28, 2007 high school students from twelve Dallas area high schools gathered at Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters for four days of intensive entrepreneurship training and a business plan competition as part of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce USHCC Foundation’s First Annual Dallas Regional Latino Youth Entrepreneurship “BizFest.”

During the comprehensive four day training program and business plan competition, students created business plans on a variety of topics including hair salons, medical centers, landscaping services and computer consulting. The business plans were then evaluated by a panel of judges, based on originality, professionalism, competitive advantage, business financials, and marketing.

“The USHCC Foundation is extremely proud that we are able to provide students with the resources and opportunities to further enhance their entrepreneurial aspirations, said USHCC Foundation President and CEO, Frank Lopez.” “I thank the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, our gracious host Colleen Barrett, President of Southwest Airlines and the entire Southwest team for all of their assistance in helping to make the first Annual Dallas BizFest such a successful event and we look forward to coming back to Dallas next year.”

A highlight of the four day program was an announcement by Veolia Transportation. Veolia Transportation committed to matching the scholarship awards granted to the top three business plan competition winners. The initial scholarship awards were to be in the amounts of $1000.00, $750.00 and $500.00. As a result of Veolia’s commitment, the winners walked away with scholarship awards in the amounts of $2000.00, $1500.00 and $1000.00.

Garnishing first place and receiving a scholarship award of $2000.00 was Karen Lopez, a junior at Law Magnet High School in Dallas, TX. Karen created a business plan for Dijon Drink Company, a bookstore café where customers could enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while catching up on the news or the latest book.

Placing second and receiving a scholarship award of $1500.00 was Jose Ricardo Moreno who created a business plan for Skyward Possibilities. The sophomore from the School for the Gifted and Talented created the concept for Skyward Possibilities which will provide tutoring services to Latino high school students from low income families who are struggling in school.

Rounding out the top three was Travis Delgado-Beatty, a junior at Lakeview Centennial High School. Travis received a $1000.00 scholarship award for his business plan concept for Speedy Cutz, a bilingual lawn service company.

“It was inspiring being around so many young BizFest students who are eager to learn. I shared with the students Southwest’s leadership expectations which make our Employees number one in Customer Service,” said Colleen Barrett, southwest Airlines’ President. “I’m passionate about developing the next generation of Leaders.”

“I have witnessed firsthand how the BizFest program changes the lives of each participant”, said Cici Rojas, President and CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I am proud that the first Annual Dallas BizFest was such a success and I look forward to working closely with the USHCC Foundation to ensure that the BizFest program continues to come back to Dallas.

The USHCC Foundation worked in collaboration with a group of skilled business trainers representing the Girl Scouts of the USA and Kutztown University. The event also included vast participation of several local corporations, business owners and community leaders.

Now the student winners look forward to the National BizFest to be held September 19 – 22, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico as part of the USHCC 28th Annual National Convention & Business Expo. In San Juan, they will train and compete with students from across the country for title of National BizFest Winner.

About USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and 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. “

Comments are closed.