More than 86 percent of Latino business owners report experiencing immediate negative effects of COVID-19, according to a recent survey by Stanford University. Similar estimates have been reported for other entrepreneurs of color.
Cargill and Rumba Meats (Cargill’s food brand focused on celebrating family and keeping Latin traditions alive) have partnered with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) to launch a new Emergency Economic Relief Grants Program to assist Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and small business owners affected by COVID-19.
“As small businesses work to reopen their doors, they’ll need access to the resources and tools offered by Hispanic Chambers of Commerce that are members of the USHCC national network,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of USHCC. “Nearly half of all small businesses are a member of their local chamber. They’ll be looking to these chambers for guidance and support as we work to jumpstart the economy and get people back to work.”
For businesses in need
The key grants partnership between the USHCC and Rumba Meats will help ensure that businesses have access to the information, resources, and funds they need to get through these difficult times. Small business owners will also be able to apply for microgrants to help their business through this new program.
“We are inspired by the medical professionals, first responders, workers, farmers, business owners, and organizations like USHCC who are all making sure our essential needs are met,” said Hilary Gerard of Cargill Protein and North America brand manager for Rumba Meats. “Business owners have been significantly impacted by this pandemic and we’re committed to helping them during these challenging times, through partnering with organizations like USHCC to create a new economic relief grant program.”
The USHCC has partnered with Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Boston, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Washington D.C. to distribute the funds for training programs for small business owners and micro-grants to support local small business owners impacted by COVID-19.
