Second annual Latino Business Week kicks off with entrepreneur summit and networking

Following the tremendous success of the first Latino Business Week, the City of Minneapolis announces the second annual week to promote and honor Latino entrepreneurs and business owners. The special week, which started yesterday and goes through Saturday, Oct. 11, is full of events like panels, vendor shopping, music and various resources for aspiring and existing business owners - as part of the City's commitment to and investment in economic inclusion and recovery.

"Latino Business Week is a powerful reminder that Minneapolis' growth and success depend on the bold ideas and hard work of our Latino entrepreneurs," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "This week, we celebrate not just businesses, but the families, culture, and community that support them. Investing in Latino-owned businesses means investing in the future of our entire city."

The week officially kicked off at Midtown Global Market with Mayor Frey, Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne and Council Member Jason Chavez, along with the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and several Latino business owners. Latino Business Week is held during this time of year to coincide with and honor National Hispanic Heritage Month.

"No matter what is happening at the federal level, we know that Minneapolis residents stand with our Latino community," said City Council President Elliott Payne, ward 1. "Latino Business Week is a great opportunity for everyone to show support for Latino businesses not just with our words, but also with our actions and resources."

Schedule for the Week

• All week - Latinidad en Accion: Arts & Business
  • During business hours
  • The Center for Performing Arts Minneapolis (CFPA), 3754 Pleasant Ave.
  • The Center will host a week-long event to celebrate Latinx creativity, business leadership and performing arts
  • Details on CFPA's website

• Monday, Oct. 6 - Exito Empresarial: NDC Latino Business Week Summit:
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake Street
  • Business owners panel, networking, free headshots, food demo and resource fair
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 & Saturday, Oct. 11 - Plan de Continuidad y Contingencia: Contingency and Continuity Plan:
  • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Las Delicias de Frida, 2904 Lyndale Ave. S.
  • Workshop to teach strategic planning, financial reporting and record-keeping
  • Free and open to the public
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Community Bachata class with TC Latin Dance Collective
• Friday, Oct. 10 - Network mixer and community forum
  • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., CFPA, 3754 Pleasant Ave.
  • A mixer of business owners and entrepreneurs who will share knowledge, traditions and industry insights in a panel setting
  • Social mixer with food from local Latinx restaurants
  • Free and open to the public

"Latino-owned businesses show up every single day. They are driven by love for family, and pride in culture and determination," said City Council Member Jason Chavez, ward 9. "Even in the toughest times, our entrepreneurs keep their doors open and their dreams alive. Latino Business Week is more than a celebration; it's the spirit of comunidad that lives in every panadería, taquería, beauty salon and family-run shop. It's a reminder to shop local, honor our culture and support the businesses that shape our neighborhoods. When we invest in Latino-owned businesses, we're investing in tradition, equity and a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone."

Small business resources

The City is proud of its commitment to business owners across town. It offers business assistance in the form of technical assistance, small business financing and resources to launch or expand companies.

In addition, the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department recently debuted its 2024 Impact Report, an interactive look at highlighted stories of growth and business ingenuity in Minneapolis.

Watch: Oct. 6 news conference

See more: Check out this video by Mayor Frey, Council President Payne and Council Member Chavez.

Read on: Take a look at the City Council's resolution recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month.