Four Entrepreneurs Graduate First Spanish-Led FastTrac Program

On January 18, 2023, we celebrated the graduation of Angelica Zarco, Nancy Tejeda, Ruth Mendez and Esteban Gutierrez, as they successfully completed the first-ever Spanish-led Kauffman FastTrac^® Program for entrepreneurs in Belvidere and Boone County, IL, offered through Growth Dimensions.

Participants followed a rigorous 10-week schedule, covering five content areas:  Ideate, Position, Commit, Refine and Launch.  They met each week at the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce, who graciously provided their space.

During the program, students welcomed expert, guest speakers who presented and answered questions on business-related topics. These speakers included Alisen O'Hearn from the Boone County Health Department, Diana Alfaro from the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment as part of the DCEO, and Lee Revels from the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce.

The sessions were facilitated by Luis Gonzalez and Amilkar Granados. These two individuals prepared lessons, taught the classes and acted as mentors throughout the cohort. Their involvement was a large part of the program's success.

The implemention of this Spanish-led program was made possible by The City of Belvidere, Mayor Clinton Morris and the City Council. They provided pass through funding from the National League of Cities, along with their unwavering support to provide access to resources for locally-owned Hispanic businesses.

Further support was received from the Boone County Community Foundation in the form of a community grant specifically for this program.

Congratulations, once again, to our graduates.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS