Square and Xoom Team With Latino Startup Alliance to Award Latina-Owned Businesses in California

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latino Startup Alliance, Square, and Xoom (Nasdaq:XOOM) today announced the launch of Soy Empresaria, a program to give Latina entrepreneurs in California the opportunity to win $10,000 in financial support and mentorship.

"Every entrepreneur should have access to tools and resources to start, run, and grow their business so they can compete on the merit of their ideas and work," said Ricardo Reyes, Vice President of Brand at Square. "Soy Empresaria honors Latina entrepreneurs and the impact they make on their communities."

Soy Empresaria will recognize the three leading Latina business-owners in California at an event at Square's headquarters where each will be awarded a $10,000 prize. Each of the winners will also receive coaching from notable executives from Square, Xoom, and the Latino Startup Alliance.

"Xoom is happy to be teaming up with Square and Latino Startup Alliance to provide hardworking Latina entrepreneurs with the opportunity to grow their business. Today, Latina business owners who send money home can do so in seconds with the Xoom App, and use the time saved to focus on their business," said Theresa Pasinosky, Senior Director of Brand at Xoom.

"At Latino Startup Alliance, our goal is to help Latino tech entrepreneurs gain access to the resources, capital, and networks they need to succeed. That is why we are excited to announce the launch of Soy Empresaria, in partnership with Square and Xoom. Together, we want to celebrate and support the growth of Latina-owned small businesses in California," said Deldelp Medina, president of the Latino Startup Alliance.

Business plan submissions must be made by 11:59 PM on December 14, 2014 to qualify. For more information on how to submit a business plan for Soy Empresaria, and for rules and regulations, visit www.latinabiz.soy. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #SoyEmpresaria.

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