Recap: Events 2021

Business Alianzas is an organization that was launched by the Puente Team on February 7, 2021. The purpose of this organization is to provide entrepreneurs with the help they may need to build a successful business. From assisting them in registering their LLC to filing their EIN to connecting them with other services and resources necessary such as accounting, banking, insurance, and more.

During 2021, Business Alianzas organized a series of virtual and in-person events to promote thriving conversations and the creation of successful business-related collaborations. It was a difficult year for networking; however, we managed to gather with entrepreneurs, always following CDC guidelines. 

Entrepreneurial Education

Workshops & Webinars

Our Workshops, Webinars and Cohort events were all designed to contribute with the formation of knowledge around business related topics. For example, our Women Certification Cohort helped women get certified and register their business as women-owned. This will allow them to receive more benefits for their business.  Our first session of the Women Certification Cohort took place via Zoom on July 14, 21, & 28. The second session was in-person at Latino Press on August 4, 11, & 18.

In the month of March 2022, we plan to relaunch Serie de Emprendimiento which is a course provided in Spanish made up of workshops that help new entrepreneurs start their business and walks them through the process. Nevertheless, this course is also for those who already have a business as it helps them stabilize or grow their business.

In-Person Networking Events

Some of our biggest networking events yet were Women Alianzas which took place on June 30th and Q3 Develop with Business Alianzas which took place on August 15th. Our Women Alianzas event focused mainly on bringing female entrepreneurs together to create new bonds. This event initiated the Women-Owned Certification Cohort. Our other event was more of a family event. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to bring family and friends to spend time together. We had live music and food for everyone to enjoy. We truly appreciate El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this and other events at their establishment.

Monthly Events:


Cafecito & Cheers! with Business Alianzas

Our Cafecito and Cheers! with Business Alianzas events were crafted to remove the formality of business meetings, and get to know the humans behind the companies of our community. Furthermore, we updated entrepreneurs on exciting news and other information relevant to their interests. We encourage you to join us at our next Cheers! with Business Alianzas & Chelas con Contratistas which will both take place at La Posada market in Southwest Detroit on January 18th. Our next Cafecito will be on February 25th at Alliance Catholic Credit Union.

We want to thank Latino Press, Alliance Catholic Credit Union , and Chilango’s Bakery for partnering with us for these events.

Launch Events

Corktown Sounds gathered musicians and performers from all different backgrounds in a unique street festival that took place every Thursday afternoon from August 5th – September 23rd. This outdoor event allowed everyone in the city to come out and enjoy the different styles of music in a COVID friendly environment. Corktown Sounds is expected to come back in the summer of 2022 so stay tuned!  We would like to thank the Corktown Business Association for partnering with us to make this event possible.

Mercadito opened the possibility to connect amazing vendors with new customers in a familiar environment. Additionally, they were able to create relationships with the other vendors and support each others’ businesses. Big thank you to El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this event at their establishment.

Business Alianzas is all about forging meaningful connections among the bright spots in our community. Our goal is to help current and upcoming entrepreneurs develop their business by hosting even more valuable events in 2022. 

Come and join us, we want to hear from you!

ANCHORED in 2022

Our word for 2022 is ANCHORED. Puente Cultural Integration spent all of 2020 living with INTENTION and all of 2021 DEVELOPing our team, new programs, new platforms, new partnerships. We will revisit this metaphoric ANCHOR frequently, understanding that we are anchored with room to move, to ride the waves, but that our foundation is strong. We are rooted and connected to our community around us, connected to partnerships, connected to our clients, and connected as a team.

Definition of ANCHOR:
A source of security or stability.

“At its core of most anchor symbolism, though, lies strength, faith, and hope. When a ship’s captain calls for the anchor to be dropped, it’s to stabilize and secure the craft, even in the stormiest of waters.”

Karma & Luck

Definition:

Full Definition of Anchor per Merriam Webster

 (Entry 1 of 2)

  1. a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom
  2. a reliable or principal support : MAINSTAY
  3. something that serves to hold an object firmly

Preparing Your Anchor: “Be sure the anchor line is strong and long enough to anchor [your boat]. A good rule of thumb is that the length of the line should be at least seven to ten times the depth of the water where you are setting anchor.”

As I read the quote above, I reflected on the length of my line. I currently have a team of four talented, bilingual women in Detroit and we’ve just added our first male to the staff. In Puerto Morelos, I have my business partner and our contracted webmaster. So now Puente is a team of eight. In addition to our staff, we have just over 150 partners and clients. With this team, we will go far in 2022! Goals … 7×10

Hope you find your anchor in 2022!

Bridget B. Espinosa
CEO, Puente Cultural Integration