FWHCC Quarterly Impact Report 2025 : simplebooklet.com

FWHCC | PAGE 32025About FWHCCMission Fostering and economic environment forour members, individuals, and the greaterFort Worth Area. VisionTo participate and contribute in building abetter Fort Worth through inclusion andstrategic partnerships. Core ValuesIntegrity-Uploading the highest standards of integrity, honesty, andtransparency in all our interactions and operations.Collaboration-Embracing collaboration and partnership to leveragecollective strengths and resources for greater impact.Leadership-Inspiring leadership among Hispanic entrepreneurs tobecome agents of change and drivers of economic growth.Opportunity-Creating opportunities for businesses to access capital,markets, and resources for growth and expansion.Inclusivity-Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where allvoices are heard, valued, and respected.Support-We support our members, staff, and community.

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At the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC), we believe access to theright resources creates lasting change. This past quarter, we’ve strengthened our missionby providing more educational tools, strategic support, and access to capital than everbefore—ensuring our members and local entrepreneurs have what they need to thrive.From one-on-one business consultations to our bi-weekly Seminarios series in bothEnglish and Spanish, we’re meeting business owners where they are and helping themgrow. These programs have empowered dozens of entrepreneurs to launch or strengthentheir businesses—with topics built directly from feedback gathered during over 80 hoursof member conversations, surveys, and focus groups.We’d like to take a moment to recognize one of our most engaged members, Carlos Carrasco of Cinecast. Carlos has attended every singleSeminario this year, taking full advantage of our bilingual business workshops. Hisdedication is exactly what fuels our work—creating a ripple effect of knowledge, growth,and community impact.We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together this quarter, and we’re even moreexcited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being a part of this movement to build a stronger,more inclusive Fort Worth economy.Executive SummaryFWHCC | PAGE 42025Carlos CarrascoCineCast CEO

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Overview1 on 1 ConsultationsFWHCC | PAGE 62025About our ConsultationsAt the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, our business consultations are guided by the proven G.R.O.W.method, designed to help entrepreneurs navigate difficult decisions and move forward with clarity andconfidence.Through this method, we:Define the Goal the client wants to achieve.Explore their current Reality and assess progress so far.Present practical Options tailored to their situation.Establish a clear Way forward using a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).If a business owner doesn’t have a clear goal or doesn’t know where to start, we guide them through a BusinessModel Canvas to help identify key components of their business. We emphasize how all aspects of the canvas—from customer segments to value proposition—work together. This process not only helps clients beginplanning effectively but has also helped dozens of entrepreneurs discover how they can truly differentiatethemselves in the market.Thanks to this structured and supportive approach, over 25% of participants return for additional consultations, atestament to the value and impact of our method.ProblemThe general business problem is that some individuals embark on small business initiatives without adequatepreparation or information. The specific business problem is that some small-business owners lack the skills,knowledge, and strategies to succeed in business beyond 5 years (Neumark, Wall, & Junfu, 2011).GOALSOPTIONSREALITYWAY FORWARDReturnRate25%

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Existing Business//NegocioExistenteFunding Plan3Created Marketing Plan3Helped with Sales Process2Business Plan1New Business//NuevoNegocioBusiness Plan4Helped with Sales Process1Funding Plan1At the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we provide personalized support to help business owners grow,compete, and succeed. Led by Gilberto Atayde, Director of Economic Development, and Cristian ArguetaSoto,MWBE Specialist, our one-on-one consultations offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to build capacityand open doors.Our services include:Capacity-building coaching to strengthen business fundamentalsCertification assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate MWBE, HUB, and other programsBid assistance to prepare businesses for contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal levelsIn addition to direct coaching, we offer ongoing resources:A weekly newsletter that features events, updates, and guidanceA member-exclusive bid bulletin highlighting real-time contracting opportunities across the regionAccess to our “Abierto” Room, a dedicated coworking space for entrepreneurs to use anytime they need aprofessional environment to work or meetWith a hands-on, guided approach, we ensure business owners are supported every step of the way.BUSINESS PLAN CONNECTIONSRESOURCE GUIDANCERESEARCH·Assistance in developing comprehensivebusiness plans.Direct connections to a network ofvaluable resources and referrals.Resource pairings for sustained guidanceand expertise.Support with conducting marketresearch and analysis.2025 Q1 Updates 1 on 1 ConsultationsBID ASSISTANCECERTIFICATION ASSISTANCEResource pairings for sustained guidanceand expertise.Support with conducting marketresearch and analysis.Approved Cert.4Consultations53Submitted Cert.17Bid Assistance6Q1 Contract Awards for Our Members$721,925.00

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OverviewLanzar Fort WorthFWHCC | PAGE 82025About Lanzar Fort WorthStarting a business is exciting—but without the right support, many entrepreneurs struggle to build a strongfoundation. The Lanzar Cohort program was created to address this challenge by helping aspiring and early-stagebusiness owners launch with clarity, confidence, and the tools for long-term success.Grounded in the proven FastTrac Kauffman Foundation model, Lanzar offers a 10-week, instructor-led curriculumsupported by mentorship, hands-on activities, and real-world application. Participants benefit from weeklyclasses, one-on-one consultations, printing support, and access to a collaborative network via GroupMe andnewsletters.The program is bilingual—offered in English (Spring) and Spanish (Fall)—and ends with a graduation ceremony tocelebrate each participant’s accomplishments.Key outcomes include:Business registrations (LLCs)Completed business plansPitch development and practiceImproved survival rates and business readinessWith expert guidance and a supportive environment, Lanzar empowers entrepreneurs to move from idea toexecution—avoiding costly mistakes and building businesses that last.ProblemAn estimated 400,687 small-business owners in the United States failed in 2013 and had to close theirbusinesses (SBA, 2016). Fifty percent of small-business owners close their small businesses by the 5th yearand only one third of small business startups survive 10 years (Small Business and Entrepreneurial Council,2016). New Registered Businesses8Business Plans Created15Graduates202025Participants192024 Participants

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Programs UpdateLanzar Fort WorthFWHCC | PAGE 92024Cohort 4 Highlights & GrowthNow in its fourth cohort, Lanzar continues to evolve. Last spring, we proudly graduated 13 participants. Thisspring, we’ve grown to 19 participants, reflecting the increasing demand and success of the program.New Focus on the Northside CommunityOne of our primary goals this year was increasing participation from Fort Worth’s Historic Northside. Wesuccessfully partnered with the Historic Northside District (HND), which sponsored 9 participants toattend at no cost. This partnership allows us to better support underserved entrepreneurs and empowerlocal small business growth.Curriculum EnhancementsFor Cohort 4, Lanzar was restructured to function more like a business incubator. This updated formatplaces greater emphasis on:Completing business registrationDeveloping a full business planPitch training for the FWHCC Business Pitch Competition in JuneThese strategic adjustments ensure participants walk away with a clearer path to funding, growth, and long-term success.New Location PartnershipSpace was another challenge this year. In response, we partnered with Accelerate Fort Worth and the Cityof Fort Worth to host all sessions in a professional, accessible environment, enhancing the learningexperience and access to resources.Acknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations that have helped us expand this program to a new level.

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OverviewSeminariosFWHCC | PAGE 102024ProblemBusiness owners in Fort Worth face persistent barriers to growth, including limited access to capital, challenges inworkforce retention and hiring, low engagement with local markets, and a lack of succession planning—issues thatcontribute to stagnant revenue growth and long-term instability. According to research conducted by the FortWorth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with The Hispanic Project, only 7% of Hispanic-ownedbusinesses surpass the $200,000–$400,000 revenue mark, and nearly half lack a plan for leadership transition.Despite their entrepreneurial spirit, many Hispanic business owners operate without formal training in financialliteracy, marketing, operations, or governance—leaving them vulnerable to risk and burnout.About SeminariosThe Seminarios Program is a research-driven initiative by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,offering 24 bilingual workshops annually (in English and Spanish) to equip Hispanic business owners with thecritical skills needed for growth and sustainability.Developed in response to a 2024 community research project—conducted in partnership with The HispanicProject and informed by over 80 interviews, 350+ survey responses, and focus groups—the program directlyaddresses the top challenges facing Hispanic entrepreneurs, including limited access to capital, workforcedevelopment, succession planning, and local market engagement.Workshop topics include:Financial Planning & Product DevelopmentMarketing & Customer DevelopmentRisk Management & Hiring PracticesOperations & Succession PlanningParticipants earn certificates and recognition by completing workshops, and those who complete 20 or moreare featured in the FWHCC Annual Report—boosting visibility and credibility within the business community.By aligning programming with real needs, Seminarios empowers business owners with the tools,knowledge, and recognition they need to scale their business, strengthen their operations, and build alegacy for future generations.

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Net Promoter Score2024Q1 202532 Surveys13 Surveys65.22%71%Educational Event Attendance2024Q1 202510 Workshops6 Workshops163232THPAt the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a key metric tomeasure participant satisfaction and loyalty within our Seminarios program. This simple yet powerful tool helps usunderstand how likely our members are to recommend our workshops—giving us direct insight into programeffectiveness and opportunities for growth.The Seminarios program is strategically structured:Q1 and Q2 are tailored to business owners in their early years, focusing on foundational topics like financialplanning and marketing.Q3 and Q4 serve more established businesses (5+ years), covering advanced topics such as successionplanning and operations.By analyzing NPS data and listening to participant feedback, we've been able to increase engagement and retention,ensuring that content remains timely and impactful.A key driver of this success is promoting a culture of continuous learning. We encourage business owners todedicate at least 2 hours per month to professional development. This mindset shift has significantly boostedprogram participation and helped entrepreneurs stay agile and competitive in today’s fast-changing market.As a result, we’ve seen notable growth in workshop attendance, deeper engagement from long-time members, andstronger outcomes for businesses at every stage.2025 Q1 Updates SeminariosAcknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations and businesses that have helped us with the first 6 Seminarios.

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FWHCC | PAGE 122025ProblemUnderserved small businesses frequently encounter obstacles in accessing capital due to factors such as limitedcredit history, lack of collateral, and systemic biases within traditional lending institutions. This financial exclusionhampers their capacity to expand operations, invest in new technologies, or hire additional staff, thereby stiflingeconomic growth within their communities. Supporting Evidence:A 2024 survey by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices found that 77% of small businesses wereconcerned about their ability to access capital, highlighting widespread apprehension about financingchallenges.About our Capital Access CouncilThe Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Capital Access Council is a strategic initiative that bringstogether corporate member banks, CDFIs, and investors to expand access to capital for Hispanic-ownedbusinesses. This exclusive council is committed to fostering financial literacy, strengthening loan readiness, andcreating tailored funding opportunities that reflect the unique needs of our diverse business community.Mission:To build a comprehensive financial support system that empowers entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and thrivethrough:Tailored funding productsEducational workshops and financial literacy toolsMentorship from seasoned financial professionalsKey Objectives:Map financial products that match business needsDevelop a Loan Readiness Guide to improve application successFoster collaboration among financial institutionsProvide regular updates on trends, tools, and opportunitiesExpected Impact:Short-term: Greater financial awareness and stronger business-banking relationshipsMid-term: More businesses accessing capital and growing sustainablyLong-term: Increased survival rates and a stronger economic impact from Hispanic-owned businesses in FortWorthBy uniting financial experts and community voices, the Capital Access Council is laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience and generational success.OverviewCapital Access Council

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2025 Q1 Updates Capital Access CouncilThis quarter, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce made significant strides in advancing access to capitalfor our members. Through our Capital Access Council, we:Assisted multiple members in securing funding and building meaningful relationships with local banks and CDFIs.Developed a Banking Matrix to map available financial products from our partner institutions, making it easier forbusinesses to identify the right funding options.Launched a Banking Readiness Checklist, guiding business owners through essential steps to improve their loaneligibility and financial preparedness.These tools and connections have already led to increased engagement, improved funding outcomes, and strongerpartnerships between our members and financial institutions—moving us closer to a more financially empoweredbusiness community.Members BeingAssisted for Funding6Q1 2025Banking MatrixBanking ChecklistAcknowledgements We would like to thank the banks, CDFI’s, and investors that have helped us in this quarter.

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FWHCC | PAGE 142025ProblemDespite the increasing presence of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in corporate environments, these groupsoften operate in silos—limiting their collective potential to drive systemic change. Without a unified strategy orshared resources, individual ERGs may struggle to address complex issues such as lack of diversity in leadership,unconscious bias, and uneven access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. This fragmentation can leadto missed opportunities for collaboration, inconsistent impact, and a duplication of efforts. A coordinated ERGTask Force is necessary to bridge the gaps between ERGs, align efforts, and develop scalable, inclusive tools thatsupport both individual employee growth and broader organizational change.About our ERG TaskforceThe Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) ERG Task Force was created to unify and amplify thework of Employee Resource Groups across North Texas. Our mission is to foster inclusive leadership, increasecross-industry collaboration, and provide companies with effective, culturally relevant tools to advance diversity,equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.Comprised of ERG leaders from corporations across the region, our task force meets regularly to developprogramming, share best practices, and co-create toolkits that companies can use to build or strengthen theirERGs. One of our flagship initiatives is the ERG Summit: Impact Fort Worth, where ERG teams compete to solvereal-world DEI challenges, such as increasing diversity in C-suite positions. The data collected from these eventshelps inform future programming and creates a pipeline for leadership development.The task force also champions collective learning by curating quarterly resources, highlighting success stories, andidentifying regional trends that shape the future of inclusive business practices. Through strategic partnerships,such as those with higher education institutions and civic organizations, we are committed to not only improvingcorporate culture but also shaping a more equitable Fort Worth community.OverviewERG Taskforce

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2025 Q1 Updates ERG TaskforceOur ERG Task Force has made incredible progress this year in advancing mentorship, and corporate engagementacross the Fort Worth region.Small Business Mentorship Toolkit Completed: We developed a fully customizable Mentorship Program Toolkit tailored for small businesses. This resource helpsbusiness owners create mentorship programs that enhance employee development, improve retention, andstrengthen leadership pipelines.Chamber Mentorship Program Designed: Using insights from the toolkit, the Task Force has officially designed and launched a mentorship program for theFort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The program pairs experienced professionals with emerging leadersand entrepreneurs to foster long-term professional and business growth.MentorshipToolkitMentorshipProgramWe’re currently organizing a dynamic event that will bring together Employee/Business Resource Groups (ERG/BRG),students, and professionals. This will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to network, build community connections, andofficially roll out our Mentorship Program. Students will gain access to professional networks, and companies willmeet future talent passionate about inclusive leadership.Through these efforts, our ERG Task Force continues to build a more connected, inclusive, and leadership-drivenFort Worth. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming event and opportunities to get involved!Next StepsAcknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations that have helped us with our Taskforce.

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FWHCC | PAGE 162025OverviewAdvocacy CommitteeAdvocacy Committee OverviewThe Advocacy Committee of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) is dedicated to ensuringthat the voice of our business community is heard at every level of government. Through proactive engagementand strategic partnerships, the committee identifies key policy issues that impact our members and advocates forlegislation that fosters economic growth, equity, and opportunity.In 2024, the committee conducted over 80 hours of research through surveys, one-on-one consultations, andfocus groups to shape a legislative agenda centered on business competitiveness, workforce development, localcontrol, and access to capital. This agenda guided our meetings with city, state, and federal legislators, amplifyingthe needs of Hispanic and minority-owned businesses in Fort Worth.Key initiatives include:Hosting civic education events and legislative briefingsParticipating in statewide advocacy coalitionsTracking high-impact bills during the Texas legislative sessionCreating monthly updates and an advocacy newsletter with an 86% open rateMobilizing our members for events like Tarrant County Days at the CapitolThe Advocacy Committee not only informs our members—it empowers them. By bridging the gap betweenpolicymakers and entrepreneurs, we ensure the concerns of small business owners are reflected in public policy.As Fort Worth continues to grow, the FWHCC Advocacy Committee will remain committed to protecting andexpanding opportunities for diverse business communities across our region.ProblemLocal, state, and federal legislation impacts access to capital, certification requirements, workforce pipelines, andtax structures. By staying engaged with legislative bodies, chambers can track and respond to policies thatdirectly impact small business owners. For example, laws governing MWBE certification, broadband expansion, andtrade zones can either help small businesses grow—or leave them behind.Through community-centered advocacy, chambers like FWHCC are trusted intermediaries between government,business, and residents. By strengthening our advocacy, we can elevate community voices in public discourse,foster civic participation, and equip our members with tools to engage in shaping policy.

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2025 Q1 Updates Advocacy CommitteeIn 2024, we proudly launched the FWHCC Advocacy Committee, chaired by Alex Jimenez and co-chaired by JohnAvila. With a strong foundation of 15 committed business leaders and community advocates, we successfullycrafted and released our inaugural State Legislative Agenda, focused on:Business CompetitivenessLocal Decision MakingWorkforce & Education AlignmentOur reach and influence have grown significantly through meaningful collaborations. We: Participated in legislative inaugurations Represented Fort Worth at Tarrant County Days at the Capitol Participated with the Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Coalition, uniting with 11 chambers across the stateto advocate for shared economic priorities at the Capitol.Signed Letter of support for more funding on Texas Water InfrastructureTestified against the elimination of In-State Tuition for “Dreamers”Today, our committee is actively tracking 60+ bills in the Texas Legislature that directly impact our businesscommunity. This work ensures that the voices of small, minority-, and women-owned businesses in Fort Worth arenot only heard—but prioritized—in state policy decisions.We’re not just monitoring policy—we’re shaping it.As legislative session wraps up, we are preparing to host a series of roundtables with city, state, and federalofficials. These sessions will give our members direct access to decision-makers and provide education onhow to get involved in advocacy efforts that impact their businesses and communities.Acknowledgements Next Steps: Members RoundtablesWe would like to thank the organizations that have helped us with our advocacy efforts.

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FWHCC| PAGE 182025Q1New President Transition EffortsLaunch of Quarterly SurveysTransitionsQ2Make program adjustments based onmember feedbackCreate Project plans and selectstakeholders for new initiativesStrategyDevelopmentQ3Launch Awareness Campaign Select Mentors for 2025Launch Mentee Program Participation Mentorship ProgramQ4Launch Awareness Campaign Form Selection CommitteeSelect Participants 2026Leadership ProgramQ1 2025Milestones

FWHCC Quarterly Impact Report 2025

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