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!

The PCI BRIDGE Model – Bilingual Entrepreneurship Series

We’re excited to launch a the PCI BRIDGE Model program in collaboration with other immigrant and small business support groups.

The Bilingual Entrepreneurship Series will launch at the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce in both Spanish and English  (Se lanza el programa de emprendimiento bilingüe en español e inglés.)

Business Model Canvas (Modelo de Negocio)

Resources (Recursos)

Interactive (Interactivo)

Discovery (Descubrimiento)

Growth (Crecimiento)

Entrepreneurship (Emprendimiento)

Find out more about the content of the small business series and register on the eventbrite links below:

REGISTER TODAY!
businessworkshopseries2.eventbrite.com

En español:

¡Reserva tu lugar HOY!      
Haz Clic Aquí: emprendedores-serie1.eventbrite.com

El Modelo BRIDGE, impulsado por Puente Cultural Integration, fue diseñado para estabilizar o hacer crecer un negocio establecido o para lanzar una idea de negocio. Todo tipo de negocio es bienvenido: locales, tiendas con ventas al público, restaurantes, artesanos o contratistas, negocios de servicios o asesores. El emprendimiento no es para todo el mundo, pero los que desembarcan en esta aventura tienen que prepararse. Diferente a los cursos tradicionales de planificación de negocio, esta serie de talleres ayudará a que los propietarios identifiquen su “¿por qué?” y aún más importante, saldrán con un análisis financiero completo para saber cuál es el punto de salir al ras para que aseguren un negocio rentable. Cada semana tendrán un Plan de Acción para adelantar su negocio, paso a paso, mientras cruzamos el PUENTE hacia el Emprendimiento.

Los expertos presentarán temas:

  • mercadeo
  • análisis financiero
  • contabilidad
  • responsabilidades legales
  • impuestos
  • asesoría individual por parte de mentor / asesor(a) de negocio.

El resultado de esta primera etapa del programa BRIDGE será un Modelo de Negocio completo y un entendimiento de su estado financiero para que puedan tomar decisiones informadas en cuestión del futuro de su negocio. Más importante, les proveeremos las herramientas y recursos para que sus ideas se realicen – comenzando el primer día. ¡Empecemos!

Somos miembros orgullosos y agradecemos el apoyo de
la Red Global Mx – Capítulo Detroit y de la Cámara de Comercio de Farmington. 

We are appreciative of the support and we’re proud members of
Red Global Mx and the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Red Global Logo  Farmington Chamber logo

 

 

 

© 2019 Puente Cultural Integration, LLC. All rights reserved
Content may not be reproduced or distribution without written permission.

Where is everybody?

I was recently interviewed about how deportations are directly affecting small businesses in Southwest Detroit by Hub Detroit, a publication dedication to telling stories about the neighborhoods. As a consultant working with a number of nonprofit organizations in Southwest Detroit, I spend most of my days working directly with small business owners, helping them to access resources and to solve problems.

Over the last year, one of the greatest challenges for Southwest Detroit businesses is their shrinking client base due to immigration threats. People are in disaster preparation mode, staying out of public spaces and saving money in case of an emergency. The somber change in the vibe of the neighborhood was palpable right after the election, it has now evolved into a state of resignation as people attempt to continue living their lives. Stories of raids, detentions, and the hardship that children and spouses are suffering when the bread winner is deported have shifted from shocking to normalized.

November 2017 Issue of The Hub Detroit

Hub Immigration Changing the Tide Dec 2017_Page_1
HUB Detroit, November 22, 2017 misunderstood the name of my business in our phone interview. (Puente de) Conexion is the name of our nonprofit organization, the name of my company is Puente Cultural Integration.

La Posada Mexican Restaurant & Market
Both the image of the Southwest mural and the image above are from Posada Mexican Restaurant and Market, one of my absolute favorite hole-in-the-wall authentic Mexican restaurants in the world. (This is a common scene in SW, owner, Juan Romo (right) sitting with me discussing business with the owner of DMex Printing, Cesar Escobedo. (My favorite butcher, Salvador Enriquez from Carnicería Guadalajara is seen in background.)

Hub Immigration Changing the Tide Dec 2017_Page_3

For some feel good stories about how amazing Southwest Detroit is and to find a directory of all the businesses in both Mexicantown and the West Vernor – Springwells Business Improvement District, see the November 18, 2017 edition of The Hub Detroit.