b'Dr. Ronaldo TelloExecutive Director, Hispanic American Association of DelawareDelaware Hispano Magazine and Hispanic American Association of Delaware:resources. Recently, the association celebrated the graduation of 18 immigrantExpanding Access to Capital and Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Delaware women who completed a six-week course on business creation, with the support of the University of Delaware Small Business Development Center. Additionally, True In the vibrant and diverse state of Delaware, two prominent organizations,Access Capital, a CDFI for low-income and diverse communities, partnered with Delaware Hispano Magazine and the Hispanic American Association of Delaware,the association to hold a Spanish informational event, the first of many others to have tirelessly worked to empower immigrant entrepreneurs while advocating forcome. It is worth noting that the Hispanic American Association of Delaware itself the passage of Senate Bill 44, a crucial step toward establishing the Office of Newbenefited from a loan provided by True Access Capital, enabling the establishment Americans. These collective efforts, along with the upcoming Opportunity LIVESof a community center in Wilmington. This experience underscores the significance Here event in March 2024 with immigrant organizations, aim to enhance the lives of access to capital as a transformative force that can open doors to opportunity.and economic prospects of diverse communities in Delaware, while fostering inclusivity and diversity in the state. Both Delaware Hispano Magazine and the Hispanic American Association of Delaware are strong advocates for Senate Bill 44. This bill proposes the creation With a decade of dedicated service, Delaware Hispano Magazine reaches overof the Office of New Americans, dedicated to improving the lives and economic 40,000 Latinos each month. Beyond its role as an informative hub, the magazineprosperity of immigrants and Delawareans at large. Such efforts, in addition plays a crucial part in enhancing the prospects of Hispanic Delawareans andto the upcoming Opportunity LIVES Here event in March 2024 with immigrant entrepreneurs. Notably, the magazine organizes the largest Latino awards ceremonyorganizations, are instrumental in enriching the states economy and diversity, in the region, the Delaware Hispanic Awards, which shines a spotlight on smallultimately benefiting all residents and breaking down barriers that may hinder businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations that go the extra mile inimmigrants from realizing their full potential.serving the Hispanic community. This year, the Delaware Hispanic Awards garnered over 20,000 votes and honored more than 75 deserving winners at the Grand OperaAccess to capital should be an inclusive endeavor, based on ideas and potential House on November 3. This event not only celebrates excellence but also reinforcesrather than solely on traditional financial metrics. This approach empowers the importance of small-business resources and access to capital for the Hispanicemerging organizations and entrepreneurs to align their values and work ethics with community. community service. By supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and the expansion of access to capital, the Hispanic American Association of Delaware, Delaware Hispano The Hispanic American Association of Delaware, a local nonprofit with anMagazine, and their partners are driving positive change in Delaware, fostering empowerment center in Wilmington visited by hundreds of Latino individuals everyinnovation, diversity, and economic growth while strengthening the bonds of their week, plays a pivotal role in providing resources for the immigrant community andvibrant immigrant community.entrepreneurs. Their programs empower immigrants with the knowledge and skills needed to start or expand their businesses while gaining access to essential capital Delaware Three Rivers Area Economic Development Master Plan 176'