WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in conjunction with Ford Motor Company Fund, will kick off tomorrow its regional 2013 BizFest Youth Entrepreneurship program in Irving, Texas. This innovative, entrepreneurship program teaches high school students how to successfully turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures, giving them firsthand exposure to business planning and development. BizFest was made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, co-hosted by the Irving Independent School District and delivered by the University of Texas – Pan American. The first regional BizFest of the year took place at DeZavala Middle School on June 11-13, 2013.
The BizFest Training and Competition is an innovative and intensive entrepreneurship program that empowers Latino youth with knowledge and insight into the world of business. This 3-day concentrated workshop offered hands on practical training for aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforced a proactive attitude about overcoming challenges and encouraged students to stay in school, go to college and become future Hispanic business leaders of this country. Delivered by the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA), BizFest is a signature program of the USHCC Foundation.
"Ford Motor Company Fund's partnership with the USHCC Foundation has one goal: to provide Hispanic youth with the valuable resources they need to develop entrepreneurial skills," said Joedis Avila, manager of community outreach, Ford Motor Company Fund. "Congratulations to the participants, who are on the path to become the next generation of Hispanic leaders."
Prizes for the top six winners will include a trip to Chicago, IL to compete against the BizFest 2013 winners from across the country at the USHCC 34th Annual National Convention this September. The top three students will also receive an iPad. Students at the national competition will compete for college scholarships and have additional exposure to internship and networking opportunities.
"The USHCC Foundation prides itself in fostering the development of the next generation of America's Hispanic business leaders," said USHCC Chairman of the Board Marc Rodriguez. "Through educational programs like BizFest, we are tapping into the invaluable entrepreneurial spirit of Hispanic youth and encouraging them to launch business ventures of their own."
The panel of judges at the event will include: Jacob Arias, Associate Director of Business Development, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Joann M. Jensen, FWHCC Ambassador, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Leo Baron, Chairman, Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Luis Spinola, President & CEO, Azteca Omega Group.
"The USHCC Foundation proudly welcomes students from Texas to participate in our signature BizFest program," says Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHCC. "Hispanic Businesses are leading the growth of our nation's economy, and programs such as BizFest provide our youth with critical thinking and life-long skills that will allow them to continue fueling the growth of America's business community. Our partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund gives our youth a valuable opportunity to become the next generation of successful Hispanic business leaders."
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate $465 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.ushcc.com.
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. For more than 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund has operated with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and dealers work on projects each year that better their communities in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.