AAEDC Marks Milestone with First Spanish Language Business Accelerator Graduation

September 16, 2024

[Annapolis, Maryland] – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is proud to announce the successful completion of its first Spanish language Inclusive Ventures Program (IVP) in summer 2024. IVP is designed to support the growth and success of small, minority-owned, woman-owned, and Veteran-owned businesses in Anne Arundel County.

“The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation’s Inclusive Ventures Program has empowered business owners by providing them with the tools to grow,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “This program reflects the County’s commitment to providing resources and opportunities for minority and underrepresented businesses as they create jobs and strengthen our local economy.”

Offering the Inclusive Ventures Program in Spanish for the first time underscores AAEDC’s and Anne Arundel County’s commitment to expanding access to business resources for traditionally underserved communities. This initiative is especially timely given the growing impact of Latino-owned businesses, which now contribute $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy and generate over $800 billion in annual revenue. According to a 2024 Stanford University report, Latino-owned businesses grew by 57% between 2007 and 2022, compared to just 5% growth for white-owned businesses, highlighting the vital role they play in driving economic growth.

“Although Hispanic and Latino business owners have been quite successful and are growing at a rapid pace, they still face a lot of challenges when it comes to access to loans and capital, navigating government services, and receiving contracts,” said Alison Flores, Director of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources in the Office of the County Executive. “That’s why AAEDC’s Spanish Inclusive Ventures Program is such a historical, innovative, and pioneering program – because it’s creating the infrastructure, the support, and the one-on-one assistance that these businesses need to be successful.”

With the addition of this latest cohort, a total of 136 businesses have completed the program since its launch in January 2021. Of the graduates, 85% are female, 15% are Hispanic, and 54% represent businesses with 1-5 employees. The 13-member cohort included a diverse array of businesses from across Anne Arundel County, spanning industries such as restaurants, healthcare, contracting, and more.

Brenda Cortez, Lemus Tag & Tile
Maria Cumming, Graze by the Bay
Jose Estrada, J.E. Custom Contractors, Inc.
Krissia Garcia, Klean Krissia’s Cleaning Services, Inc.
Ileana Gonzalez, Apurva Wellness LLC
Candida M. Lemus, Lemus Shop, Inc.
Gerardo Martinez, Wild Kid Acres
Myriam Osorio McCormick, Latin American Crafts Company
Ana Recinos, Resguardo Logistics
Roxana Rodriguez, Super Caliente/Caliente Grill
Fredy Salmoran, Senor’s Chile
Rosalina Ventura, VR Dispatching
Maria Winters, The Coaching Therapist

“We’ve long aimed to make our programs more accessible to the Spanish-speaking business community, and I’m incredibly proud of our team for turning that goal into a reality,” said Amy Gowan, President and CEO of AAEDC. “This IVP class was our largest cohort yet, with 13 graduates representing businesses from across Anne Arundel County. Congratulations to our first Spanish cohort for taking the leap and embracing this opportunity.”

Anne Arundel County and AAEDC are dedicated to continuing this program for business owners throughout the county. In 2025, they plan to host three cohorts, with one potentially offered in Spanish, based on demand. For more information, visit the Inclusive Ventures Program page.

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About the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

Founded in 1993, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. AAEDC’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for business growth in Anne Arundel County, thereby increasing job opportunities, expanding the tax base, and improving citizens’ quality of life. It supports the local business community through a host of services including financing, site selection assistance, permitting and zoning guidance, community revitalization, market research, and small business counseling and resources. In addition, AAEDC plays a vital role in enhancing commercial districts, improving infrastructure, and helping to grow business sectors such as technology, agriculture, and maritime within the county. To learn more, visit www.aaedc.org.

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