¡Avanzando Juntas!

Georgia is home to the demographic group opening businesses faster than any other in the country: Latina women. Latinas have the potential to change their economic status, as well as that of their families and communities. However, immigrant women’s economic contributions often go unrecognized, their work undervalued, and their promise unnourished. Unequal opportunities, lack of information, and limited access to resources continue to hinder Latinas' ability to lift themselves out of poverty and progress in life.

The ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program provides training, classes, resources, and community connections that ensure Latinas succeed in their careers and as business owners. Through strategic programming designed with Latinas' specific needs in mind, this program helps lay a foundation for economic self-sufficiency and employment growth. The program offers resources and training at every step of the entrepreneurial path, from the initial idea to implementation and accessing necessary capital. The ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program supports Latinas along the road to business ownership and growth.

The LAA recognizes the integrated nature of the challenges faced by immigrant and first-generation women in the US.  With the purpose of empowering Latinas to realize their full potential through economic advancement, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program at the LAA represents a concerted effort to address the barriers that immigrant women face. Central to this is the LAA’s strong commitment to gender equality and the promotion of women’s active economic, social, and civic participation. The ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program builds on these offerings.

Program core components include:

Education: Women in Business Workshops that provide life skills, including leadership development, conflict resolution, civic participation, financial education, English language learning, and computer literacy.

Vocation Training: Industry-specific job training, resume writing support, and curated career fairs.

Entrepreneurship: A two-year program that includes eight weeks of business development training, one-on-one consulting, business planning and education courses, networking and mentorship opportunities, and a micro-loan fund. Clients can participate in ACCIONA, a one-year business accelerator that includes rental space and technical assistance.

Latina Leadership Conference: A unique regional event that brings together Latinas from across north Georgia for a day of workshops, training, and community building.

The ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program primarily serves Latinas looking to advance in their careers and open or expand businesses. This program was launched in 2014 and to date has trained over 7,000 Latinas, with 33 percent beginning their own business and 24 percent achieving career advancement. Latinas add to the vibrant diversity of Atlanta, contribute significantly to the region’s cultural fabric and play an increasingly important economic role in Atlanta, the State, and beyond. In metro Atlanta, the rapidly growing Hispanic demographic is now nearly 12 percent, and statewide the Latino population in Georgia numbers are over million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Atlanta's four-county metro core—Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb and Fulton—now comprises over 50 percent of the state’s Hispanic population. Despite this significant growth and the important role Latinos now play in the economic health and well-being of the region, over one quarter of the Hispanic population in Georgia lives below the poverty level. For Latinas, nearly 30 percent live in poverty – a rate higher than that of women in any other racial or ethnic group. 

The Latin American Association's ¡Avanzando Juntas! team is uniquely equipped to provide this program because it is led by a diverse group who are part of the community they serve. The program is spearheaded by a team of multicultural professionals who understand firsthand the challenges Latina business owners face. The department lead, who immigrated from Colombia to the U.S. after a successful 20-year career with a multinational media company, brings invaluable experience and insight to the program.

Supporting the department lead is a dedicated team of four professionals, all of whom have international work experience. This diverse team understands the unique challenges faced by Latinas looking to grow, restart, or launch a business. Their collective experiences and backgrounds enable them to provide tailored support and guidance that resonates with the community they serve.

The LAA is committed to ensuring that the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program is led by individuals who are representative of the community. This commitment ensures that the program is not only culturally relevant but also deeply empathetic to the needs and aspirations of Latina entrepreneurs. By having a team that mirrors the community, the LAA fosters a sense of trust and relatability, making the program more effective in addressing the barriers that Latina business owners encounter.

Through their combined expertise and personal experiences, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! team is well-positioned to empower Latinas to achieve economic advancement and realize their full potential. This unique approach ensures that the program is not just about providing resources but also about creating a supportive and understanding environment where Latina entrepreneurs can thrive.

The ¡Avanzando Juntas! program was founded in 2014, and since then, it has served 10,000 Latinas. The program has a proven track record of providing comprehensive and effective support that helps Latinas accelerate their career and business goals. The ¡Avanzando Juntas! team works closely with clients to determine their needs and put them on a tailored path to success.

With a decade of success, the program is now comfortably in the scale stage of development. It currently offers programming in multiple counties across Georgia and is preparing to launch statewide over the next three years.

The program's success is attributed to its holistic approach, which includes education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Latina business owners, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program empowers women to achieve economic self-sufficiency and growth. The program's commitment to understanding and meeting the specific needs of its clients ensures that each participant receives personalized guidance and support.

As the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering Latinas and fostering economic advancement. The program's expansion plans reflect its ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Latina entrepreneurs across Georgia.

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The Latin American Association's ¡Avanzando Juntas! program is innovative because it is specifically designed to meet the professional needs of Latinas. It stands out as the only program of its kind in Georgia, tailored for immigrant and first-generation business owners. This unique focus allows the program to provide essential and specialized training opportunities, including ESL classes, which are crucial for overcoming language barriers and enhancing business communication skills.

Developed to ensure Latinas have a path out of poverty and into self-sufficiency, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program addresses both immediate and long-term economic needs. By offering comprehensive support, the program helps Latinas achieve financial security, which is vital not only for individual families but also for the broader community. When Latinas thrive, Georgia thrives. Their success contributes significantly to the state's overall economic health.

The program's diverse and talented group of professionals and business owners play an essential role in the economy. By fostering the growth and development of Latina entrepreneurs, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program helps create a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. This, in turn, drives innovation, job creation, and economic stability within the state.

In summary, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program is a groundbreaking initiative that empowers Latinas through targeted support and training, ensuring their success and, by extension, the prosperity of Georgia as a whole.

The goal of the ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program is to empower Latinas to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

• Objective 1:   Equip Latinas with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully pursue
• Objective 2:  Provide the tools Latinas need to start and grow their own businesses
• Objective 3: Expansion of programs Statewide

The effectiveness of the ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program lies in its commitment to its goal that is highlighted through strategic planning and stellar leadership. Program leadership is dedicated to ensure programming meets the ever-evolving needs of participants.  Over the next five years, this program will increase the number of participants served through both geographic expanse and community outreach initiatives. 

Objectives for this program will be met through the continued investment of time, expertise, and funding for the program. Additionally, the LAA works closely with community partners on developing programs and creating inroads for the necessary business community connections. These connections with business community partners and community educators is very important for the success to program participants and for ensuring the objectives are met.

Additionally, The ¡Avanzando Juntas! program aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal Number 8 by fostering economic growth and promoting decent work for all. Through targeted training and support, the program equips Latinas with the skills and resources needed to succeed as entrepreneurs and professionals. By addressing barriers to economic participation and providing pathways to self-sufficiency, ¡Avanzando Juntas! not only enhances individual livelihoods but also contributes to broader economic stability and growth. This alignment with SDG 8 underscores the program's commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The ¡Avanzando Juntas! Latina Economic Empowerment Program is led by a dedicated team of Latina professionals that have a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by Latina businesswomen. 

Program staff includes:

• Monica Cucalon, Vice President of Economic Empowerment
• Paola Cartay, Latina Empowerment Manger
• Gerardo Lopez, ACCIONA Manager
• Ernesto Gonzales, Director of Entrepreneurship
• Caitlin Webb, Adult Education Manager

The LAA has been working on this solution for over a decade.

At the Latin American Association (LAA), we prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and minimizing barriers to opportunity for our staff. Our team is composed of multicultural, bilingual professionals who share firsthand experiences with the clients they serve. This shared background fosters a deep understanding and empathy, ensuring that our services are both relevant and effective.

To ensure our team is diverse, we actively recruit individuals from various cultural and professional backgrounds. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, which enhances our ability to serve our community effectively. We also provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our staff's growth and ensure they have the skills needed to excel in their roles.

We minimize barriers to opportunity by creating an inclusive hiring process that values diverse experiences and qualifications. We offer flexible work arrangements and support for professional development, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity to advance their careers.

Our commitment to a welcoming and inclusive environment is reflected in our organizational culture. We foster open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration among team members. By celebrating our differences and working together towards common goals, we create a supportive and empowering workplace for everyone at the LAA.

The Latin American Association's ¡Avanzando Juntas! program operates with a business model designed to provide significant value to Latina entrepreneurs, both in terms of impact and revenue. The key beneficiaries of this program are Latina women, particularly those who are immigrants or first-generation business owners.

Products and Services: The program offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Introductory Classes: Monthly sessions covering value proposition and financial literacy[1].
• Business Development Training: An eight-week course, "Planifica tu Negocio," which is offered four times a year and includes over 20 hours of training on business planning, cash flow management, and business registration[2].
• ACCIONA Business Center Accelerator: Provides marketing support, technical assistance, one-on-one mentorship, access to capital, and networking opportunities[2].
• Business Ecosystem: A network of organizations, suppliers, and resources that maximize business potential and provide new opportunities[1].

Delivery Method: These services are delivered through a combination of in-person classes, workshops, and one-on-one consulting sessions. The program is available in multiple counties across Georgia, with plans to expand statewide over the next three years[1].

Value Proposition: Latina entrepreneurs benefit from this program because it addresses their unique challenges and provides tailored support. The program's focus on financial literacy, business planning, and access to capital helps Latinas overcome barriers to economic participation and achieve self-sufficiency. Additionally, the multicultural, bilingual team at LAA shares firsthand experiences with the clients they serve, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment[2].

By empowering Latina entrepreneurs, the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program not only enhances individual livelihoods but also contributes to the broader economic growth and stability of Georgia. This alignment with the needs of the community ensures the program's continued relevance and impact.

References
[1] Latinas Economic Empowerment Program - LAA Georgia
[2] Supporting Latina Entrepreneurs on their path to business success

The Avanzando Juntas program is financially sustainable. The LAA is deeply thankful for the long-term support of key community, corportate, and foundation partners. The Truist Inspire Awards provide a unique opportunity to expand the program and provide professional development opportunities.

The Latin American Association (LAA) is applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards because this unique opportunity offers essential financial support, professional development, and increased awareness for our ¡Avanzando Juntas! program on a national and regional level.

Working with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would add significant value to our organization by helping us overcome several key barriers. Firstly, the financial support from the Inspire Awards would enable us to expand our program statewide, reaching more Latinas across Georgia and providing them with the critical support they need to succeed. This expansion is crucial for addressing the economic disparities faced by Latina entrepreneurs and ensuring they have access to comprehensive resources and training.

Additionally, the professional development opportunities offered through the Inspire Awards would enhance our team's skills and knowledge, allowing us to better serve our community. The access to a network of resource partners, mentors, and coaches across industries and sectors would provide invaluable guidance and support, helping us refine our business model, theory of change, and plans for scaling.

Furthermore, increased awareness of the ¡Avanzando Juntas! program would help us build stronger coalitions and partnerships, promoting communication and collaboration across diverse sectors and stakeholders. This would generate greater buy-in and support for our workforce navigation efforts, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable solutions for Latina entrepreneurs.

By participating in the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, the LAA aims to leverage these opportunities to enhance our impact, empower more Latinas, and contribute to the broader economic growth and stability of Georgia.