In the vibrant landscape of business growth and opportunity, the ¡Adelante! Pitch Competition, powered by the Greater North Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GNTHCC), stands as a beacon of empowerment for our communities. Embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship, the GNTHCC orchestrates this transformative Pitch Competition event, opening doors for North Texas community members to hone their entrepreneurial skills and make their dreams a reality.

"At the core of our mission lies the drive to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through the power of technology," shares GNTHCC. In a world where innovation propels progress, this competition serves as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their revolutionary ideas and forge vital connections that propel their growth. The GNTHCC envisions a community united by support, offering a blend of financial backing, pro bono coaching, and comprehensive pre-pitch preparation to participants.

The urgency of this mission is underscored by a stark reality. A Stanford study reveals that when Latino entrepreneurs embark on their business journey, 70% of their funding emerges from personal savings, while a mere 6% stems from commercial loans. In an unfortunate twist, Latino-owned businesses received less than 1% of the staggering $487 billion invested in top 500 venture capital and private equity deals in 2020, according to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) report. It's a gap that echoes through time, as annual statistics by the Small Business Administration (SBA) show Latino borrowers received only 4% to 9% of SBA loans from 2014 to 2019.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, the GNTHCC's commitment shines as a beacon of hope. It's a commitment that extends beyond the competition's grand stage. The GNTHCC's promise revolves around workshops, training, pitch practice sessions, mock evaluations, cash prizes, investment opportunities, networking, and exposure – a comprehensive roadmap towards scaling and success.

The GNTHCC thrives as the catalyst for transformation. Latino-owned businesses have burgeoned at an impressive 44% growth rate over the past decade, while employment in these businesses has surged by 55% since 2007. This dynamism is illustrated by 350,000 Latino-owned employer businesses generating over $460 billion in annual revenue and employing 2.9 million people in 2018. With projections of 400,000-450,000 Latino-owned employer businesses, the landscape continues to flourish.

The GNTHCC's impact stretches beyond numbers. Bicultural, bilingual professionals who understand the pulse of the Hispanic community and the business realm spearhead their initiatives. With a holistic approach that encompasses mentorship, education, and technology, they're bridging gaps, fostering connections, and propelling dreams.

As stories of growth and resilience echo across our communities, the GNTHCC's dedication serves as a guiding light, an agent of change that propels entrepreneurs towards their dreams, fuels innovation, and champions prosperity. Together, we stand on the precipice of a brighter future, united by the shared purpose of igniting potential, scaling businesses, and rewriting the narrative of success.