On June 11, 2026, Loco por la Aventura took an exciting new step in its mission to empower the Latino community by hosting its first entrepreneurship-focused workshop: How to Start Your Business in Portland.
For years, our organization has connected thousands of community members through outdoor recreation, educational programs, leadership opportunities, and cultural events. Along the way, we began noticing something important.
Many members of our community shared a common dream.
They wanted to start a business.
Some already had an idea. Others had skills, experience, and passion. Many were ready to take the leap but simply didn't know where to begin.
Questions about business registration, legal requirements, funding opportunities, financial planning, and entrepreneurship became increasingly common during our programs and community events.
We realized there was a need.
And more importantly, there was an opportunity to help.
That is why we partnered with Latino Founders to create a free Spanish-language workshop designed to provide practical information, trusted resources, and inspiration for aspiring Latino entrepreneurs throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
Creating Opportunities Through Education
Hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Latino Founders headquarters in Southeast Portland, the workshop brought together community members interested in turning their ideas into reality.
The event was conducted entirely in Spanish, ensuring participants could learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations comfortably in their native language.
Throughout the evening, attendees explored topics essential for launching and growing a successful business in Oregon, including:
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How to legally establish a business
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Business registration and organizational structures
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Permits and startup requirements
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Resources available to entrepreneurs
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Building the right entrepreneurial mindset
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Financial planning and investment strategies
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Finding funding opportunities
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Common mistakes new business owners should avoid
Beyond the technical information, participants gained something equally valuable: confidence.
Confidence that their dreams were possible.
Confidence that resources exist to support them.
And confidence that they are not alone on the entrepreneurial journey.
Learning From Latino Business Leaders
One of the highlights of the evening was an engaging panel discussion featuring Latino business and community leaders who generously shared their experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice.
We were honored to welcome:
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Ana Ruiz, Founder of Training to Impact
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Cinthia Manuel, Founder of Auténtica Consulting
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Juan Barraza, Executive Director of Latino Founders
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Aníbal Rocheta, Executive Director of Loco por la Aventura
Each speaker offered unique perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and community impact.
Through honest conversations about challenges, setbacks, successes, and growth, participants gained real-world insights into what it takes to build and sustain a business in the United States.
The discussion created a space where attendees felt comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and connecting with people who had already navigated similar paths.
Aníbal Rocheta also shared practical financial guidance, discussing the importance of strategic planning, making smart investments, identifying funding opportunities, and building a sustainable foundation for long-term success. His personal experiences as an entrepreneur provided valuable lessons and inspiration for participants considering launching their own businesses.
More Than a Workshop
While the goal of the event was education, the evening quickly became something more.
It became a space for connection.
A space for inspiration.
A space where future entrepreneurs could meet one another, exchange ideas, and begin building relationships that may support them for years to come.
Participants enjoyed refreshments, networking opportunities, and meaningful conversations throughout the evening.
To help remove transportation barriers, attendees also received complimentary TriMet transit passes, reinforcing our commitment to creating accessible opportunities for all members of the community.
By the end of the night, many participants left energized, motivated, and equipped with practical next steps toward launching their businesses.
For some, it was the first time they had attended a business workshop in Spanish. For others, it was an opportunity to discover organizations, resources, and networks that can support them throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Most importantly, attendees left knowing that their ideas matter and that their dreams are achievable.
Community Partnerships Matter
Events like this are only possible because of organizations that believe in investing in community education and economic empowerment.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Latino Founders for generously providing their space and partnering with us to make this workshop possible. Their commitment to supporting Latino entrepreneurs continues to create valuable opportunities for education, networking, and professional growth throughout our region.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Portland Metro Chamber for their commitment to expanding opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
Their support helped make this workshop possible and reflects a shared belief that access to education, resources, and professional networks can transform lives, strengthen families, and contribute to a more vibrant local economy.
As the Latino community continues to grow across Oregon, partnerships like these play a vital role in ensuring aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Looking Toward the Future
The success of this workshop confirmed something we already believed:
Our community is filled with talented, creative, hardworking individuals who are ready to build businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
What many need is access to information, mentorship, resources, and encouragement.
This event marked the beginning of what we hope will become a growing series of educational opportunities focused on entrepreneurship, professional development, leadership, and economic empowerment.
This workshop also demonstrated the power of collaboration between community organizations, business leaders, and institutions that believe in investing in the future of Latino entrepreneurs. Together with partners such as Latino Founders and Portland Metro Chamber, we hope to continue creating educational opportunities that inspire innovation, economic mobility, and long-term community impact.
At Loco por la Aventura, we believe that education comes in many forms.
Sometimes it happens on a mountain.
Sometimes it happens on a trail.
And sometimes it happens in a room full of dreamers learning how to build the future they envision for themselves and their families.
Thank You
To everyone who attended, participated, shared their stories, and contributed to making this event a success—thank you.
Thank you for believing in your ideas.
Thank you for investing in your future.
Thank you to our speakers for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Thank you to Latino Founders for opening their doors to our community.
And a special thank you to Portland Metro Chamber for believing in the potential of Latino entrepreneurs and helping create opportunities for our community to learn, grow, and succeed.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more empowered community.
This was our first entrepreneurship workshop.
We are confident it will not be our last.
