By Tara Harman

This column originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for English readers.

In celebration of Diversity Month, the Glenwood Springs Chamber and FirstBank are excited to host Hablemos de Negocios/Let’s Talk Business, an annual bilingual event designed to empower and support local Latino entrepreneurs. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, April 15, from 4 to 7pm at Morgridge Commons, located at 815 Cooper Ave., 2nd Floor, in Glenwood Springs.

Following the tremendous success of our 2024 event, which drew an engaged audience and sparked meaningful conversations, we are eager to build on that momentum in 2025. Attendees can once again expect an inspiring and informative evening packed with opportunities for growth and connection.

This year’s event will feature engaging “TED-Style Talks” where three local Latino business owners will share their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome and the successes they’ve achieved. Their stories will serve as inspiration and provide practical insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.

In addition to hearing from local entrepreneurs, attendees will benefit from a business resource panel featuring local experts. The panelists will address a series of prepared questions, offering insights, guidance and information about valuable resources designed to help businesses thrive.

One of the featured partners is Educational Pathways to Innovative Careers (EPIC), a regional initiative that provides free resources to local businesses and industries for the betterment of students from Aspen to DeBeque. EPIC representatives will share information about their regional online marketplace, HUB for Career and College Exploration, which connects students with work-based learning opportunities and helps them explore innovative career pathways.

The event will also include a business resource expo, where attendees can explore available opportunities for both existing and prospective businesses. Booths will feature organizations offering essential tools and services to support business growth and success.

Ample time will be provided for networking, allowing attendees to engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry professionals and local leaders. Guests will also enjoy delicious food from local Latino-owned restaurants, adding a flavorful cultural touch to the event, along with refreshing beverages provided by Quality Brands of the Rockies.

The Hablemos de Negocios/Let’s Talk Business series was launched in April 2024 by the Glenwood Springs Chamber Latino Business Advisory Council, a committee of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Board of Directors. The Advisory Council was formed to foster stronger connections between the Chamber and the vibrant Latino business community. By recognizing and celebrating the rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit within this community, the Chamber is committed to promoting collaboration, business growth and mutual success. 

Our Hablemos de Negocios/Let’s Talk Business initiative extends beyond this signature event. Throughout the year, the series offers a variety of educational and informational resources, including seminars, newspaper articles and networking events specifically tailored for the Spanish-speaking community. While many of our events are conducted in Spanish, we are continually working to make them bilingual to ensure greater accessibility for all. Our mission remains focused on providing essential business services and support that empower and uplift local Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and business owners.

The 2025 Hablemos de Negocios/Let’s Talk Business event promises to be an enriching experience for anyone interested in learning, connecting and contributing to the growth of our diverse business community. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit glenwoodchamber.com or call 970-945-6589.