Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber helps Latino entrepreneurs launch businesses

The Brief

• The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Pasco provides comprehensive support for Latino entrepreneurs, including licensing, marketing, and business planning assistance

• The chamber focuses on removing language barriers by offering resources in Spanish and hosting the first small business fair conducted entirely in Spanish

• Local entrepreneurs receive hands-on guidance through every step of starting a business, from forming LLCs to obtaining licenses, with many launching family-run operations in cleaning, construction, landscaping, and hospitality

PASCO, Wash. — The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is helping local Latino entrepreneurs transform business ideas into reality by providing comprehensive support and removing barriers that often prevent Spanish-speaking business owners from getting started.

Located in Pasco, the chamber has spent several years connecting aspiring business owners with essential tools and guidance. The organization offers support across multiple areas, including licensing, marketing, and business planning for entrepreneurs looking to start ventures in cleaning, construction, landscaping, and hospitality.

“We do big community events we do one in the summer and we started a new one in September and that just highlights the Hispanic commerce around the area,” said Raul Contreras, assistant director of the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

One of the chamber’s primary focuses involves making resources more accessible for Spanish-speaking business owners. Contreras emphasized the importance of addressing language barriers that can prevent entrepreneurs from accessing vital information and services.

“Take a step back and realize that a lot of people still have a language barrier and not everything is translated so what we did is we started working with state agencies and we ended up doing the first small business fair in Spanish,” Contreras explained.

The chamber provides hands-on assistance through dedicated small business advising services. These advisors guide newcomers through each step of the business formation process, ensuring entrepreneurs understand requirements and procedures.

“We can walk them through every step of forming their LLC, setting up their accounts with DOR, applying for their business license application,” said Maria Pena, small business advisor for the chamber.

Many businesses supported by the chamber start as small, family-run operations that address essential community needs. These enterprises often begin with family members as the primary workforce before expanding to hire additional employees.

“Maybe it’s considered micro as well so maybe it’s a family run business the first two years the only people that are going to be working it are family and the other popular one is daycares which is a huge need in WA State,” Contreras noted.

The chamber’s impact extends beyond business formation to cultural preservation and community connection. Local entrepreneurs like Josue Trejo, owner of Guadalajara Style, view their businesses as opportunities to share their heritage with the broader community.

“The sky is the limit we have a lot of perseverance and most importantly we need to serve the community and to share the culture and the flavors from the country we came,” Trejo said.

The organization’s approach addresses multiple challenges facing Latino entrepreneurs, from navigating complex regulatory requirements to accessing capital and understanding market opportunities. By providing bilingual support and culturally relevant guidance, the chamber helps bridge gaps that might otherwise prevent business formation.

The chamber’s community events serve dual purposes: celebrating Hispanic commerce while creating networking opportunities for established and aspiring business owners. These gatherings help build connections within the Latino business community and showcase successful enterprises to potential customers.

The organization works closely with state agencies to ensure resources and information reach Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs effectively. This collaboration has resulted in innovative approaches, including the groundbreaking Spanish-language small business fair that addressed a significant gap in accessible business education.

Through its comprehensive support system, the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber continues to serve as a vital resource for local entrepreneurs. The organization helps bridge cultural, linguistic, and community divides through business development, creating economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity.

The chamber’s work reflects the growing recognition of Latino entrepreneurs’ contributions to the regional economy and the importance of providing culturally competent business support services.