Brazi Bites, pioneer of Latin-inspired, better-for-you, naturally gluten-free foods, announced the launch of the second year of its Latino Entrepreneur Accelerator Program ahead of Latin Heritage Month. Following the success of 2022’s inaugural Program, Co-Founder and CMO, Junea Rocha, is making this year’s Program even bigger, giving entrepreneurs a chance to win a $10,000 business grant, a 12-week long mentorship, and aid of strategic partners across various business disciplines, including legal, public relations, creative, and more at a value of $66,500.
Over the past 15 years, Latinos have created companies faster than any other demographic in the US. However, Latino business owners still face several challenges that make it difficult to find success at the most critical time of their journey, including lack of access to capital, and struggles with securing corporate and government contracts (Graduate School of Stanford Business 2023). Based on the invaluable mentorship inaugural winner, Jessica Vicionte of La Porteña Foods, received during last year’s Program and the substantial interest from Latino businesses, Rocha is committed to doubling down this year on uplifting and supporting deserving entrepreneurs. By leveraging her relationships and experience, she hopes to connect them with the right partners for counsel and guidance.
Accepting applications from September 15 through October 27, this year’s Latino Entrepreneur Accelerator Program winner will receive:
- $10,000 business grant
- 12-week tailored mentorship with Rocha and her team, which includes one-on-one coaching, workshops, alignment on business objectives and more
- Public relations and influencer support from Rachel Kay Public Relations, A FINN Partners Company, totaling $25,000
- Digital marketing and content creation support from SRW, totaling $25,000
- R&D support from Culinex, totaling $10,000
- Branding consultation from Hughes Brand Mix, totaling $5,000
- Legal counsel from DWT, totaling $1,500
Three finalists will also be awarded a profile feature on Brazi Bites’ website, alongside social, email, and press exposure. The winner and finalists will be announced in January 2024, with the grant disbursement and mentorship to follow in February 2024.
