Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

We're thrilled to celebrate our CEO and President, Julio Fuentes, as one of the 2024 #Florida Impact Awards honorees, recognized by The News Service of Florida! Thank you, Julio, for your outstanding leadership and dedication to making a difference in our state. Explore the full list of inspiring leaders shaping Florida's future here: https://bit.ly/41pjpRe #Leadership #InspiringLeaders #CommunityImpact 

🛍️Small Business Saturday may be over, but the holiday season is the perfect time to keep supporting your favorite local businesses! 🎄⭐️ As Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network, reminds us: "When you shop small, you’re doing more than making a purchase — you’re investing in your neighbors and strengthening your community." Every gift you buy from a small business helps create jobs, support dreams, and build stronger communities. Let’s keep the spirit of #ShopSmall alive this holiday season! ✨ Shop local. Support small. Make a difference: https://lnkd.in/gZNjGyRw #SupportLocal #HolidayShopping #CommunityMatters

🌟 The 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report from Wells Fargo highlights the undeniable influence women entrepreneurs have on the #economy. 👩💼 Women now own 14.02 million businesses, making up 39.1% of all businesses, employing 12.16 million people, and generating a remarkable $2.7 trillion in revenue. This data underscores the incredible contributions of women-owned businesses to our communities and beyond. 📖 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/epn5puUB #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness

🚨Small Business Owners: Stay Alert for Scams!🚨 Javier Otero, a home inspector, nearly lost over $1,000 to a fraudulent check scheme. This elaborate scam involved an out-of-state “buyer” who sent an overpayment via cashier’s check and requested the difference be sent to a third party. The check later bounced, leaving Javier at a loss. Thankfully, after persistence and outreach, Javier recovered his money. But his experience serves as a critical warning: 1️⃣ Always verify payment methods. 2️⃣ Be cautious with overpayments and requests to send funds elsewhere. 3️⃣ Contact your bank directly to confirm check validity. 4️⃣ Report suspicious activity to authorities immediately. Let’s stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling victim to similar scams! Read the full story for more insights and tips: https://lnkd.in/gTGnPkt7

🌟 Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday! 🌟 Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, driving innovation, creating jobs, and enriching our neighborhoods. At the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we’re especially proud to support and advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses that make Florida thrive. As you plan your weekend, remember to shop local and support the hardworking entrepreneurs in your area. Every purchase makes a difference! Let’s come together to uplift small businesses tomorrow and every day. Tag your favorite Hispanic-owned businesses in the comments and spread the word! #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopLocal #HispanicOwned #FloridaBusiness

We're so thankful for our incredible network of business owners, partners, and supporters who continue to drive economic growth and innovation in our community. 🦃 As we prepare to celebrate #Thanksgiving, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all you do to strengthen Florida's economy and uplift our Hispanic community. What are you most thankful for this year? Share with us in the comments! 💬

Did you know that according to the Florida Chamber Foundation, Florida’s #LaborMarket is facing unique shifts: ➡️ Out-migration of 20-29-year-olds: This trend is contributing to a reduced labor force participation rate, putting pressure on the existing workforce. ➡️ Job Growth Slows: October marked the first monthly dip in jobs in years, though Florida still added over 130,000 jobs annually. ➡️ Low Unemployment: At 3.3%, Florida’s unemployment rate has remained steady for seven months and continues to outperform the national average for four consecutive years. These insights underscore the importance of addressing workforce retention and development while capitalizing on Florida’s economic growth. The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting strategies that strengthen our workforce and ensure continued success for Florida businesses. #FloridaBusiness #Workforce #Trends

The Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt congratulations to Iberdrola and its U.S. subsidiary, Avangrid, for being recognized as "Company of the Year" at the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce 44th Anniversary Gala! Our President and CEO, Julio Fuentes, was honored to attend this extraordinary event, celebrating a remarkable milestone for the Spain-US Chamber and its contributions to fostering innovation and economic collaboration. We applaud Avangrid’s outstanding achievements in energy innovation and industrial leadership, and we are proud to witness the strengthening of ties between U.S., Latin American, and Spanish business communities.

At Connecticut’s first-ever Hispanic Roundtable on energy, key leaders came together to address energy challenges impacting Hispanic households and businesses. The event highlighted critical steps to increase Hispanic participation in shaping energy solutions across the U.S. A new partnership between Avangrid, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), and the National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC) was announced during the Roundtable, paving the way for impactful change. As Chair of the NHEC, our President and CEO Julio Fuentes shared: “Hispanics pay 20% more in energy costs than the average U.S. household. These partnerships help reduce that burden and create energy policies that fuel our community’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.” The Hispanic Roundtable will now be an annual event, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and advocates to ensure the Hispanic voice is at the forefront of energy innovation. We’re excited to continue building a future where energy is affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all. Stay tuned for more updates on this important work! #HispanicLeadership #EnergyEquity #SustainableEnergy #HispanicBusinesses

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is bringing significant changes to anti-money laundering laws. Starting January 1, 2025, small businesses in the U.S. must file Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury. Why It Matters: • Helps combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax fraud. • Failure to comply can lead to fines up to $10,000, imprisonment, and criminal penalties. To help you navigate these changes, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a step-by-step guide to ensure you file your reports accurately and on time. Take action now to avoid penalties! Download the guide today: https://lnkd.in/gqkw2GHh