LOFT & Verizon Host Small Biz Seminar

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today they have joined forces to host the Latinos On Fast Track (LOFT) Small Business Seminar, a series of small business focused seminars throughout the United States designed to provide Latino entrepreneurs with practical advice from established business owners. The four-city tour that launches today in Los Angeles and concludes on Oct. 24 in New York City is designed to highlight industry-leading best practices, challenges and opportunities; while helping to support organizational efficiency.

Managing a small business presents both opportunities and challenges. Most small businesses operate with limited budget, staff and resources. That is why operating with the right services and technology will help save time and money; increasing efficiency and productivity. In an effort to showcase ways Latino small business owners and entrepreneurs can equip themselves with the right tools while propelling their business forward, The Hispanic Heritage Foundation LOFT Small Business Seminars, presented by Verizon Wireless, will take place in the following cities:

· Los Angeles – September 26 – Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Long Beach

· Miami – October 18 – Hilton Downtown Miami

· Chicago- October 11 – Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

· New York – October 24 – Viacom

“HHF is thrilled to partner with Verizon Wireless on this important effort to support Latino small businesses in four key regions across the United States,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “Hispanic-owned small businesses will play an even greater role in growing the economy and job creation going forward. Verizon Wireless, our partners, and the local business leaders in our host regions want to provide an effective forum to support that growth.”

According to the latest Census Bureau findings, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States increased by 43.7 percent to 2.3 million, more than twice the national rate of 18.0 percent between 2002 and 2007. Hispanic-owned businesses generated $345.2 billion in sales in 2007, up 55.5 percent compared with 2002 and the number of Hispanic-owned businesses with receipts of $1 million or more increased 51.6 percent between 2002 and 2007. Those numbers are projected to grow even more exponentially by the next Census.

“At Verizon Wireless we not only understand the value Latino Entrepreneurship has on the U.S. economy, but the important role technology plays in enabling them to remain competitive in the digital world,” explained Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. Our partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation allows us to share our expertise and insights on ways small businesses can leverage technology to help increase and maximize their bottom line.”

If you are you a Latino entrepreneur and are interested in joining The Hispanic Heritage Foundation LOFT Small Business Seminars program, visit www.hispanicheritage.org. If you are looking for ways to leverage technology to help support and promote your small business, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store and speak with a business specialist or log onto www.verizonwireless.com/smb* for more information.