FWHCC Quarterly Impact Report Q2 : simplebooklet.com

FWHCC | PAGE 32025About FWHCCMission Fostering a vibrant economic environmentfor our members, individuals, and thegreater Fort 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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Dear Partners, Members, and Community Stakeholders,This quarter has been about sharpening our vision and building theinfrastructure to lead with even greater intention. As we refine our strategicplan, we are doubling down on what works—and boldly reimagining what’spossible.We’ve established five strategic pillars that will guide all our initiatives movingforward:1.Workforce & Talent Development2.Infrastructure & Place-Based Investment3.Business Growth & Retention4.Advocacy5.Business Attraction & MarketingEach of these areas reflects both the needs of our members and theopportunities before us. But beyond simply expanding our programming, weare investing in how we operate.This quarter, we launched our first Six Sigma-inspired initiatives to becomethe leanest, most efficient chamber in the country. We are cutting waste,streamlining processes, and improving service quality across the board—all todeliver greater value to our stakeholders.We're also doubling down on the Net Promoter System to better understandhow we’re doing and where we can improve. Your feedback matters. It guidesour evolution. If you’ve attended one of our programs, received technicalassistance, or interacted with our team—please share your thoughts. Themore we hear from you, the stronger we become.As we grow, we are also becoming more data-driven. We are actively buildinginternal market reports to help our team and board better understand theneeds of the businesses we serve. These reports will soon be shared with ourpartners so you, too, can make more informed investment decisions in thecommunity.Our commitment is simple: to be a tactile, versatile, and accountable platform.One where your membership, your sponsorship, and your partnershiptranslates into real-world impact—driven by strategy, backed by data, andpowered by community.Thank you for being on this journey with us.Q2 Reflections & Looking AheadFWHCC | PAGE 42025VP ofOper ations

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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 FORWARDReturnRate23%

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Existing Business//NegocioExistenteFunding Plan3Created Marketing Plan3Helped with Sales Process2Business Plan2New Business//Nuevo NegocioBusiness Plan4Business Registered1Reviewed Bylaws1Created Marketing Plan1Funding Plan1Helped with Sales Process1At 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 Q2 Updates 1 on 1 ConsultationsBID ASSISTANCECERTIFICATION ASSISTANCEResource pairings for sustained guidanceand expertise.Support with getting businesses theirMWBE Certifications. Approved Cert.10Consultations76Submitted Cert.24Bid Assistance57Q2 Contract Awards for Our Members$1,601,925.00

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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 Created15Graduates202024 ParticipantsNew Registered Businesses3Business Plans Created10Graduates102025 ParticipantsNext Cohort 2025August26

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Programs UpdateLanzar Fort WorthFWHCC | PAGE 92025Cohort 4 Highlights & GrowthWe completed Cohort 4 with 10 graduates and launched the first Lanzar Graduation at Artes De La Rosa. We will continue to do this practice for Lanzar Spanish in the Fall. 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. In the fall, we will be looking to grow the entrepreneurs participating in Northside withextended outreach. Curriculum EnhancementsFor Cohort 5, Lanzar in Spanish will function more like a business incubator. This updated format placesgreater emphasis on:Completing business registrationDeveloping a full business planPitch training for the FWHCC Business Pitch Competition in June 2026These strategic adjustments ensure participants walk away with a clearer path to funding, growth, and long-term success.New PartnershipWe have confirmed a new partner and sponsor for Cohort 5. Texas State Bank has committed financesand technical assistance to increase the likelyhood of capital access after graduates are complete. 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 102025ProblemBusiness 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 Score2024Q2 202532 Surveys22 Surveys65.22%73%Educational Event Attendance2024Q2 202510 Workshops12 Workshops163351THPAt 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 Q2 Updates SeminariosAcknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations and businesses that have helped us with our Seminars

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About our Capital Access CouncilFWHCC | 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.The 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 Q2 Updates Capital Access CouncilThis quarter, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continued advancing access to capital throughimpactful programming and strategic partnerships.In Q2, we successfully launched our Bankability Blueprint event at TCU, with over 100 entrepreneurs and smallbusiness owners in attendance. Sponsored by Midwest Regional Bank, Origin Bank, PNC Bank, RBFCU, and SimmonsBank, the event focused on financial preparedness in today’s economic landscape.Highlights included:Expert insights from speakers like Jose Alfaro and Patrick Alcorn, who shared best practices on managingbusiness finances and becoming capital-ready.Speed networking sessions that connected attendees directly with banks and sponsors, offering real-timeconversations on lending practices, product offerings, and relationship building.Official rollout of the Banking Readiness Checklist and updated Banking Matrix, helping business owners identifysteps for loan eligibility and understand the landscape of local lending institutions.Together with Q2's accomplishments—securing funding for members, launching financial readiness tools, andstrengthening relationships with CDFIs—this quarter brought us closer to our goal of creating a more bankable,capital-ready business community.Members BeingAssisted for Funding16Q2 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 Business Resource Groups (BRGs) in corporate environments, these groupsoften operate in silos—limiting their collective potential to drive systemic change. Without a unified strategy orshared resources, individual BRGs 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 BRGTask Force is necessary to bridge the gaps between BRGs, align efforts, and develop scalable, inclusive tools thatsupport both individual employee growth and broader organizational change.About our BRG TaskforceThe Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FWHCC) BRG Task Force was created to unify and amplify thework of Employee Business Groups across North Texas. Our mission is to foster inclusive leadership, increasecross-industry collaboration, and provide companies with effective tools. Comprised of BRG 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 theirBRGs. One of our flagship initiatives is the Leadership Summit: Impact Fort Worth, where we will have a range oftopics that can help leaders develop in their industries and learn best practices from corporate companies inDFW. 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 ourFort Worth community.OverviewBRG Taskforce

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BRG Task Force Update – Q2The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s BRG Task Force continues to drive impactful mentorship andcorporate engagement across the region.Q1 Highlights Recap:Small Business Mentorship Toolkit Completed: We created a customizable Mentorship Toolkit to help small businesses build internal mentorship programs thatimprove employee development, retention, and leadership capacity.Chamber Mentorship Program Designed: Leveraging the toolkit, the Task Force designed a new Chamber-wide mentorship initiative focused onconnecting experienced professionals with emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.Q2 Progress:Mentor Recruitment Underway: We’ve successfully recruited 15 mentors across diverse industries and are actively seeking more to ensure abroad, impactful program.Mentorship Program Launch Scheduled: We’re excited to officially launch the Altruista Mentorship Program on September 25th at 3:00 PM at BNSFHeadquarters. This event is in partnership with Workforce Solutions and several local colleges and universities,aiming to connect young professionals with business and community leaders.If you’re interested in attending or supporting the launch and recruitment event, please reach out to GilbertoAtayde at gilberto.atayde@fwhcc.org.Together, we’re building bridges between generations of leaders and shaping the future workforce of Fort Worth.Sign up to be a Mentor2025 Q1 Updates BRG TaskforceMentorshipToolkitMentorshipProgramAcknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations that have helped us with our Taskforce. Mentorship Details

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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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SB 1798 – Repeal of In-StateTuition for DreamersPosition: OpposeIn-Person TestimonyDeliveredFWHCC testified in Austin to oppose this bill, which would strip in-state tuition from undocumented students, including Dreamers. Thisproposal threatens future workforce supply by limiting access tohigher education for students already integrated into our schools andcommunities. HB 232– Repeal of In-StateTuition for DreamersPosition: OpposeWritten TestimonyDeliveredFWHCC submitted a formal written testimony to oppose this bill,which would strip in-state tuition from undocumented students,including Dreamers. This proposal threatens future workforce supplyby limiting access to higher education for students alreadyintegrated into our schools and communities.Supported coalition of Texasbusiness leaders andorganizations is urging theTexas Legislature to establish adedicated revenue source tofund future water projects. Signed on to official letter Supporting investment in water infrastructure is critical to ensure Texashas a reliable, safe, and sufficient water supply for the next 50 years.With aging systems and a fast-growing population, this investmentprotects public health, supports economic growth, and preparescommunities for future droughts and demand.Sent a joint appeal to the FortWorth/Tarrant Countylegislative delegation to SenateBill 23 to explicitly excludecommercial development fromits mandates.Signed on to official letter It argued that the bill's blanket third-party review requirement would:Disrupt Fort Worth’s efficient permitting processUndermine public safety oversightIncrease development timelines and costs2025 Q2 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 Advocacy Footprint 2025Testified in-person at the CapitolSubmitted formal written testimonySigned coalition letters with regional partnersEngaged Tarrant County legislative delegation Participated in the Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Coalition DelegationAcknowledgements We would like to thank the organizations that have helped us with our advocacy efforts.

FWHCC Quarterly Impact Report Q2

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