Hundreds of business cards changed hands as networking flourished at the LATINA Style Business Series at The New Radisson Hotel Miami on May 21. "I think the networking opportunity that this provides is instrumental," said Elena Rodriguez, a financial consultant and aspiring entrepreneur. A turnout of 171 aspiring and veteran business owners made for a social event beyond the learning experience.

Speakers from five companies presented information ranging from how to access capital to the advantages of taking a business online. Ilene P. Rubio, a marketing manager with the Small Business Administration (SBA), stressed that devising a business plan is crucial for all business owners. She also recommended consulting with the SBA.

Jeannette Lopez, a credit manager with Citibank, outlined sources of capital for starting a business, what bank lenders look for, application requirements and strategies for success.
New York Life agent Lillian Cosio spoke of the company's financial empowerment seminar, which invites individuals or companies to learn about cash management, credit, retirement planning and investing.

Juana Pacheco, vice president of Strategic Solution at HCG, suggested staying on top of competitors and knowing your customers and what they view as competition. Pacheco also advised constant networking, joining organizations such as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and revisiting the business plan. "I recommend that at least four times a year you visit your business plan to revisit who is your target audience," said Pacheco. "It changes as the market changes."

Jose Ulloa of VICOM stressed the importance of taking a business online. "I'm still resisting the idea that the Internet is going to be good for me," said Teresa Toledo, a jewelry designer and aspiring business owner. "But I do have to go into the Internet, and I have to make a website."

Outside of the main presentations, companies such as Office Depot, Citibank and Nextel were available for consult. "We're reaching out to the Hispanic business community and Latinos in general," said Jon Munoz, director of Hispanic Marketing/Operations for Nextel. "Nextel is known for its products on business and growing and expanding your business."

Latin cuisine was served with a side of inspiration at the Latina Entrepreneur Award Luncheon. Patty Palma of Office Depot introduced the luncheon's mistress of ceremonies, CBS4 anchor Maggie Rodriguez. The luncheon's keynote speaker was Lissette Calderon, founder of Neo Concepts LLC and the innovative mind behind bringing loft condominium buildings to Miami, addressed the crowd with her success story. "I never walked into any meeting thinking I was less than anyone else there," said Calderon of being a young woman in the corporate world.

Following the luncheon, three entrepreneurs took the stage for the Latina entrepreneur panel to share their experiences and to offer advice: Monica Ramirez, the president of Zalia; Mercedes C. LaPorta, the president of Mercedes Electric Supply; and Annette Taddeo, the president and CEO of LanguageSpeak, Inc. The panel was moderated by Lisa Silvera, the vice president and creative director for Thinkking Media. "Your partners, choose them carefully," advised Ramirez. "It's like a marriage, and you don't want to get divorced."

Sandra Franco, an aspiring business owner, said the Business Series encourages her to overcome her fear of starting a business. "To me it has been really helpful as to opening my mind that it is possible to get there," she said. "I am more determined now because I have a lot more knowledge."

Aspiring Latina Entrepreneurs and current business owners seeking solutions can check out the LATINA Style website for information about the next Business Series seminar. 

The Miami Business Series Sponsors: American Airlines, Citibank, Nextel, Miramax Home Entertainment, New York Life, State Farm, Principal, Office Depot and the Radisson Hotel. Partner Organizations: the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Society for Hispanic Professionals, Thinkking Media, the Latin Business Club of America, iHispano.com, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County, the Hispanic Coalition, the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mujeres Latinas, the Cuban American National Council, the Women's Business Development Center, the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, and ALPFA Miami Chapter.