National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is a time to celebrate and honor the culture, history, heritage and contributions of Spanish, Caribbean and Central and South American people in the United States. With North County’s close proximity to the U.S./Mexico border, our community has long been shaped by Hispanic and Latino-owned and led businesses and organizations. In observance of the month, we’ve compiled just a few community and business resources for Hispanic and Latino residents along the 78 Corridor.
InBiz Latino is an educational and business networking group based in San Marcos. Via education, multimedia, technology and social events, it connects business professionals and entrepreneurs with invaluable network marketing resources in North County and beyond.
San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Since 1989, the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has become one of the leading Hispanic organizations in the County. Its diverse membership of more than 500 active members and affiliates connects small business owners, corporate representatives, and government leaders with Latino and Hispanic-owned companies.
Mana de San Diego North County
For Hispanic and Latina women, MANA de San Diego North County offers a suite of resources to empower Latinas to reach their educational goals and develop leadership skills. Latinas with professional experience can also give back by mentoring younger girls through its Hermanitas program.
MAAC helps thousands of local families reach self-sufficiency through its pathways of service—advocacy and leadership development, economic development, education, health and well-being, and housing. MAAC’s Carlsbad STEP (Striving Towards Economic Prosperity) Center encourages people to achieve self-sufficiency by overcoming barriers to employment, increasing income and promoting behaviors that lead to self-reliance.
North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps new and existing businesses grow through no-cost business consulting and low-cost training. Get help launching your business, finding loans and capital and/or learning how to win government funds and contracts. As part of the wider San Diego and Imperial SBDC Network, SBDC’s advisors can assist in both English and Spanish.
How you can support the community
One of the best ways you can support North County’s Hispanic and Latino community is by shopping at local Latino-owned businesses or by amplifying their voices and stories. Show some local love and grab dinner at Escondido’s Cuscatlan Salvadorian Cuisine. Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious dinner, head down the 78 to Vista to attend Moonlight Amphitheatre’s On Your Feet play—an inspiring true story about heart, heritage and the incredible journey of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, who migrated to the United States from Cuba to overcome barriers and find stardom. After the show, head next door to Oceanside for a delicious pastry from San Luis Rey Bakery. By supporting Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses and amplifying their stories, we can support the community this Heritage month and beyond.
Are you a Hispanic or Latino business owner who needs personalized support? Contact your City’s Economic Development leader for guidance and City-specific resources.
