“If we don’t start providing resources that meet everyone’s needs, then shame on us,” Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kari Hatt said.

Historically, the chamber has not done a great job of incorporating those in the community who speak Spanish as a first language into the resources it does and can offer, Hatt said. Acknowledging this, moving forward, and recognizing the continued growth of the local Hispanic population, have resulted in “Emprende tu Futuro.”

Starting at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, a free, four-week, exclusively in Spanish course will be taught to the owners of new and developing local businesses. It will take place at Sturgis Central Commons, 107 West St. The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce introduced Emprende tu Futuro with a message in Spanish on its Facebook page:

“Acompáñenos para disfrutar un momento de aprendizaje. Comenzando el Miercoles, 2 de Octubre. Este programa sera repartido entre 4 clases. Sientanse libres de traer sus libretas/ plumas y computadoras. Abra cuidado de niños! Solo registrense, en el enlace de abajo.”

Sturgis has had an influx of new businesses, from food trucks and boutiques, Hatt said. Emprende tu Futuro is inspired by a similar, six-week “Business 101” course that was offered more than a decade ago to Spanish-speaking business owners and would-be business owners.

“We want to help any of our Hispanic population be more successful and aware of what they need when they’re starting a business,” Hatt said. “Maybe they’ve started a business and need help with the resources to develop and grow.”

A year ago, Hatt and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce board decided to increase the number of educational and other events held in Spanish. The chamber is also benefitting from a Sturgis Area Community Foundation grant that it’s using for more educational programming.

“I always feel like, as a chamber, the more free things we can offer, the better,” Hatt said. “(Nearly) a third of our community is Hispanic. Our website can now be translated into Spanish. We’re trying to make strides to include all of our businesses.”

Emprende tu Futuro is designed to be convenient and informative for guests who speak Spanish as their first language. The goal is for comprehension and creating opportunities for success.

“Most of our business owners do speak English, but it’s not their first language. When you do talk about things that are really complicated, like permits, laws, and regulations, it makes it much easier for them to grasp when it’s being talked about in their first language,” Hatt said.

Emprende tu Futuro will include:

• Wednesday, October 2 – An introduction to the course. This will include testimonials from successful local Hispanic businesses, Hatt said. After that, the Chamber will give a small presentation on what the next three classes will look like. Following that, the local Small Business Development Center will discuss getting started, having a business plan, and what resources it offers.
• Wednesday, October 9 – “How to Get Established” will include Emiliano Cortez, Cortez Tax & Accounting, to explain getting a federal ID, setting up your business from a tax perspective, and more. Cortez will be followed by Jacob Porter, HaasCaywood PC, to talk about the legal portion of setting up a business.
• Wednesday, October 16 – The City of Sturgis’ guidelines on zoning, permitting, property, and generally how to operate a business within the city limits will be shared.
• Wednesday, October 23 – Gabe Alvez, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, will partner with Brian Picarazzi, the Small Business Administration, to discuss small business financing options and resources.

Alves is not only a commercial lender for Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, he’s also an ambassador with the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s rewarding,” he said. “You see how hard some of these folks work, and the risks they take to improve their way of life. It’s rewarding that I can be part of their development in the business world, and how I can contribute to their success. It’s rewarding for me to see how hardworking folks get to a point where they’re successful and can achieve the American dream.”

Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.