Here Are Some Networks Latina Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Can Use
The National Women's Business Council has stated that Latinas in the United States own around 788,000 businesses, proof that they are as interested in entrepreneurship as others.
Business networks help in improving the conditions of these businesses. We compiled five business networks that Latinas use to hone their entrepreneurial skills.
1. Hispanic Women in Leadership (HWIL)
HWIL, a Texan nonprofit group established in 1989, helps Latinos in education, leadership training, mentorship, professional communication and preservation of their culture. HWIL President Rita A. Lopez said they give college scholarships and will also hold a summer mentorship program for teenage girls beginning this year.
The organization allows application requests on their website. Membership options include volunteers (non-paying) and as members.
2. LatinasinBusiness.us
Susana G. Baumann founded LatinasinBusiness.us to support, improve and empower Latinas in the business industry and in the workplace.
"Through our social media channels, we also help [Latina business owners] attract customers to their businesses, learn about social media, contact our contributors and coaches with business questions, be a 'madrina,' become a minority vendor or find business-to-business trade opportunities," Baumann shared.
The group does not require payment when signing up to weekly newsletters with special offers.
3. BeVisible.soy
Founded by Andrea Guendelman and Silvia Travesani, BeVisible is an online recruiting platform that helps Latinas to bond and work with each other. The community is a place for Latinas to "connect and collaborate, grow their network, find mentors, interact with peers and find job and educational opportunities."
BeVisible's website allows women to sign for free.
4. The Red Shoe Movement
Using a method called the Red Shoe Movement Circles, this leadership development group helps increase women's chances to be involved in high-level decision-making in the workforce. The group does this by providing coaching sessions for a year and resource materials.
The group, which was founded by Mariela Dabbah, also launched the Red Shoe Tuesday weekly awareness campaign, wherein women go to work wearing red shoes to show support for their career development.
Just like the other business networks, Latinas can sign up free on the Red Shoe Movement's website. Upon signing up, women will receive important content and invitations to events and webinars.
5. Latinas Think Big Network
Latinas Think Big is a group catering to professional and entrepreneurial Latinas. With the help of this network, women have the opportunity to go into the business industry through their talents, experiences and professional networks.
"My aim was to build a global community of prosperous women by supporting and accelerating the growth of Latina-owned ventures," said founder Angélica Perez-Litwin.
The network offers two kinds of memberships: basic (free) and paid. The latter's full access feature allows women to email other members directly and talk to mentors.