Hispanic national convention brings youth entrepreneurial leaders to Denver
| BizFest Travels to Denver for USHCC Convention |
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Denver, CO - The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in conjunction with title sponsor Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, is hosting a Youth Entrepreneurial “BizFest” Competition at the USHCC 30th Annual National Convention & Business Expo September 16-19, 2009, in Denver, Colorado.
High school students from local Denver schools are participating in a rigorous business and leadership development curriculum and are experiencing the excitement of USHCC convention programs like the Latina Leader’s Luncheon, an interactive Business Expo, and the Awards Gala. Students will learn how to turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures and establish a professional network among peers and high-profile executives.
Through “BizFest,” participants have unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and one-on-one exchange with top business executives. At the Regional “BizFest,” students take part in an entrepreneurship training series and business plan competition where they write and present a valid business plan. Winners receive financial awards to support future education endeavors and access to future entrepreneurship partnering opportunities with business and corporate partners of the USHCC Foundation. At the end of the convention, the top students will be selected to present their business plan in front a panel of judges that will determine the winners. An award ceremony will be held for all the students, and the top students will be invited to attend the Awards Dinner and Dallas Ball on Saturday, September 19, part of the USHCC Convention.
The top three students of the 2009 Denver Regional BizFest Competition will receive a one-time scholarship between $750 to $1,500. These three students will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the National BizFest Competition to take place at the USHCC 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo, September 29 – October 2, 2010 in Dallas, TX, and compete against other regional BizFest winners. The USHCC Foundation covers all costs associated with travel and lodging with the help of its sponsors.
“Education is a top priority for Ford,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Through our partnership with the USHCC Foundation, we are proud to play a role in encouraging a new generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs through this innovative youth program.”
Among the prominent speakers and role models for this year’s “BizFest” are Lynn Quigley, Manager, Community Relations Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services; Eric Carson, President & CEO Reflection Glass Company and member of the USHCC Board of Directors; and Cullen Jones, Olympic Gold medalist. The BizFest is also supported by co-sponsors The Sprint Foundation, The UPS Foundation, and the Daniel’s Fund, and representatives of each organization will participate throughout the four-day program. The USHCC Foundation also welcomes back charismatic trainers Peter Hornberger and Lenin Agudo of the Small Business Development Center at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and motivational speaker Carlos Ojeda, Jr.
The USHCC’s 30th Annual National Convention and “BizFest” Competition is made possible with the support of its title sponsor Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, and co-sponsors The Sprint Foundation, The UPS Foundation, and the Daniel’s Fund. For list of current partners and sponsorship information, please visit www.ushccfoundation.org .
About the USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the advancement of the Hispanic community’s economic development and entrepreneurship skills through the empowerment of Hispanic-owned businesses, growth of the Hispanic chamber of commerce network and promotion of life-long learning experiences for Hispanic youth and entrepreneurs. The Foundation’s broad-based approach is coupled with a proactive strategy, which is reflected in the diverse number of USHCC Foundation-driven programs created to reach constituencies of all age groups and needs. For more information on the USHCC Foundation please visit www.ushccfoundation.org.
About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is a community relations and philanthropic non-profit funded by Ford Motor Company. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009, Ford Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster and promote innovation in education, greater automotive safety and American heritage and diversity. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS), which provides 21st century skills-based curriculum to more than 40,000 high school students; and Ford Driving Skills for Life, which has taught safe driving skills to more than 337,000 young drivers. In addition, the Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, enlists the help of thousands of Ford employees and retirees who volunteer their time to continue Ford's legacy of community service worldwide. For more information about programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, please visit www.community.ford.com, www.volunteer.ford.com or www.abrighterfuture.ford.com
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CONTACT:
Erica Ortiz (202) 715-0485 eortiz@ushcc.com |
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