Change is an inevitable part of life, and while change can cause uncertainty for business owners, the ability to overcome them is a huge difference maker.
In today’s society, we are seeing new immigration policies, rollbacks of diversity and inclusion initiatives, and tariffs.
As business owners question just how much the current political climate will impact their businesses, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is making it clear that they don’t have to go through these challenges alone.
That was the message sent by President and CEO Jennifer Rodriguez during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 27.
“GPHCC is at the table fighting for you at every level: federal, state, and local,” she added.
More specifically, the Chamber is advocating on behalf of the region’s Latino businesses by working alongside the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) to ensure tariffs and economic policies don’t harm Latino entrepreneurs at the state level.
The Chamber is also pushing for more investments to go into Latino entrepreneurship, workforce development, and access to capital.
“Because when Latino businesses thrive, the entire economy benefits,” Rodriguez said.
Advocacy is only one part of the equation, however. The other part is delivering results.
Over the last year, the Hispanic Chamber has distributed $60,000 in direct grants to small business owners. It has also expanded its B2B Latino referral program, leading to a new initiative designed to help established businesses gain access to procurement opportunities with major corporations.
“We know that breaking into supplier networks is a challenge, and we are working to open those doors,” said Rodriguez.
The Chamber is also placing an increased focus on Latina business owners. This year, the Chamber launched Jefas en Balance, a new pilot initiative that aims to support Latina entrepreneurs navigate the intersection between business success and personal well-being.
As the city prepares for the major global events coming to the city in 2026, Rodriguez and her team at the Chamber want to ensure that Latino businesses are in position to benefit.
That is especially paramount given the influence Latino businesses already have in our region with nearly $800 billion of annual revenue.
“We are not a small segment of the economy,” Rodriguez said. “We are a driving force. We are the backbone of the American economy.”
Read more about how the Hispanic Chamber is advocating for Latino businesses at the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
