The Latino Economic Development Center
The Latino Economic Developing Center is an independent, nonprofit organization
whose principal purpose is to promote the economic advancement of the Latino
community in Massachusetts. The Gastón Institute in partnership with
eight community-based organizations established the center to address the needs
of the Latino small business community. The collaborative members meet on a
monthly basis to discuss and consult on matters pertaining to activities in the
cities and neighborhoods where they are based. The collaborating members
are:
- Nueva Esperanza CDC, Holyoke
- Hispanic Merchants Association of Springfield, Springfield
- Nuestra Comunidad CDC, Boston
- Coalition for a Better Acre, Lowell
- Lawrence Minority Business Council, Worcester
- Centro Las Americas, Worcester
- Egleston Square Neighborhood Association, Boston
- Chelsea Commission of Hispanic Affairs, Chelsea
Serving Latino businesses through the existing infrastructure of the agencies
located in their neighborhoods, the Center will avoid duplicating existing
services by acting as a clearinghouse of available resources as well as
developing or coordinating new programs not currently available. The Center
will also help larger firms to improve their connections with other Latino
businesses and professionals by developing an interactive database and a
directory of businesses.
The Latino Development Center mission is: "To transform the current business
environment in our communities into one of a partnership support system. To
improve our communities by supporting the creation and retention of jobs. To
transfer economic development and management skills to emerging businesses."
The initial programmatic thrust of the Center is focused on the economic
development of Latino merchants, with primary emphasis on linking Latino
business enterprises with the mainstream economies of the private and public
sectors. To that end, the Center collaborates with its partners in developing
technical and management assistance efforts that allow business owners to
enhance their skills and access networks of federal, state and local resources.
Among the principal services provided by the Center in conjunction with its
local partners are:
- Technical and management assistance to existing and emerging Latino small
business enterprises throughout the State (such assistance includes the
development of business plans, information on private and public sources of
financing, operations and management assistance, market and business
development);
- Information and training on the acquiring of minority business certification
to successfully access local and state minority set-aside programs;
- Development of a comprehensive database on Latino-owned business enterprises
with emphasis on creating networking mechanisms for maximum Latino
participation in all aspects of economic life; and
- Development of a computerized database of Latino professionals interested in
business development and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Statewide Programs and Activities
Partners