According to reports, Latinx entrepreneurs have started small businesses at a faster rate than their non-Latinx counterparts. Through Academia de emprendedores, we sought to engage and connect with Spanish-speaking, aspiring entrepreneurs in the greater Baltimore area and provide information, resources, motivation and support so they can successfully develop and pursue their business ideas with the help of library resources and our partner entrepreneur support organizations.

In the creation of Academia de emprendedores, it was critical that the classes be taught by subject matter experts, as we do with Entrepreneur Academy. Connecting the library with business & immigrant support organizations to develop a multifaceted entrepreneurial course to help participants launch a business while introducing them to outside organizations that can support them on their entrepreneurial journeys, including the Small Business Development Center, CASH Campaign of Maryland, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

During our first cohort, we had roughly 50+ participants in each class, with 43 participants successfully “graduating” by attending four out of the six total classes. The second cohort has more than 150 registered. Due to the interest and excitement around this series, we’ve expanded our business-related programs in Spanish and added programs on personal finance topics. Additionally, our visibility with the Spanish-speaking community in the greater Baltimore area has increased, resulting in new & renewed partnerships.