Dallas, TX –(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–April 23, 2007–On April 25-28, 2007, 36 Dallas area students who have dreams of owning their own businesses will descend on Southwest Airlines corporate headquarters for a three and half day entrepreneurship training and business plan competition. For the first time, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation in conjunction with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Independent School District will host the first annual Latino Youth Entrepreneurship “BizFest” program. Students will test their entrepreneurial skills as they compete for cash prizes and long-term business support.
“BizFest” is the USHCC Foundation’s signature youth entrepreneurship training program implemented nationwide annually. During the three and half day training, students will develop entrepreneurial and leadership goals, identify investment opportunities, gain financial literacy, create business plans, and make professional presentations. The top three “BizFest” winners will participate in the National “BizFest” Training and Competition at the USHCC 28th National Convention, Business Expo and International Pavilion, Sept. 19-22, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The training camp will be sponsored locally by Southwest Airlines, Meridian Commercial, L.P., Dallas ISD, Sprint Nextel, General Motors, State Farm Insurance and several other local companies and organizations.
“The transformations I have witnessed as a result of the “BizFest” program have been phenomenal,” said Frank Lopez, USHCC Foundation President and CEO. “We are proud to be partnering with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to offer Latino youth of Dallas the opportunity to participate in such a transformational program.”
“Southwest Airlines is proud to support our youth and host the First “BizFest” in Dallas, said Colleen Barrett, President, Southwest Airlines. “Through programs such as BizFest, we are able to give back to our youth by providing them with the skills and confidence to become successful Leaders in business and life.”
“Educating our youth is a priority and we need to prepare our high school students with the necessary skills to be our future leaders,” said Cici Rojas, President and CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I am proud to partner with the USHCC Foundation to bring this exceptional program to Dallas.”
The Dallas “BizFest” is one of several regional “BizFest” activities held throughout the country. Students will leave “BizFest” with increased self esteem, improved communication and math skills, financial literacy, workforce readiness and the ability to make intelligent decisions regarding their futures.
About The USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and 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 http://www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.
