The United States Small Business Association awarded the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with a $250K grant. THCC's "Beyond Startup: Elevate Your Business Program" will expand as a result of the offer.

The Beyond Startup program is an initiative dedicated to promoting the development and long-term sustainability of small businesses. SBA's Management and Technical Assistance Program helps to develop small businesses, while THCC works with those companies under SBA.

THCC will hire new staff and consultants to help with the growth of its program. Businesses located in areas with high rates of unemployment are eligible for assistance.

THCC works with local businesses and chambers of commerce to help facilitate economic growth development of the region. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce congratulated THCC on its award.

"The USHCC is thrilled to see the SBA, under Maria Contreras-Sweet's leadership, recognize and support the critical work of our local chambers. By securing this significant grant, the SBA and THCC have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening America's small business community. We are proud to see our friends in Tucson taking great strides, not only as leaders for their city, but for our entire nation as whole," USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez told Global Newswire.

"We look forward to seeing the positive impact this well-deserved award has on the city's economy and beyond."

Last year, USHCC received the largest ever grant of $700K from Wells Fargo. The grant helped to support Hispanic small businesses and USHCC's Chamber Training Institute event that was held as part of the 2013 USHCC National Convention in Chicago.

According to the Hispanicize Wire, as part of this $1.8 million commitment by Wells Fargo, the USHCC has provided more than 350 local chamber leaders across the country with educational opportunities and micro grants to sustain and grow their businesses through the Chamber Training Institute.