The Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15^th to October 15^th, is a time to honor the contributions and rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latinx individuals in the United States. Several important bodies, including The Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution, collectively recognize this month as crucial in paying tribute and respect to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

During this month-long celebration, our spotlight will beam on organizations that are pivotal in supporting and promoting Hispanic interests and businesses. And what better way to start than to delve into the inspiring work of an organization we are so proud to be a part of. Let's tel you about the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and how it is dedicated to uplifting Hispanic-owned businesses in Atlanta.

About The Georgia Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce (GHCC)

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) was founded with a vision of fostering economic growth and empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs, and as such, has emerged as a cornerstone of support for the local Hispanic business community. 

Established in 1984 with a mission to promote the success and development of Hispanic-owned businesses, GHCC has committed its structures and efforts to creating an inclusive and vibrant ecosystem that propels businesses toward success. Business owners and entrepreneurs have been served by the GHCC through consultations, seminars, workshops, and partnerships with organizations such as the Small Business Development Center in a bid to bring quality programming to the Hispanic business community.

Its primary focus over the years has remained on business formation and business growth, in addition to civic and leadership development and engagement within Atlanta's culturally rich Hispanic community. Unsurprisingly, the GHCC has one of the largest Hispanic Chambers in the United States, with over 1000 members.

GHCC's Role And Activities

GHCC is more than just a chamber of commerce; it's a dynamic platform offering various resources to nurture Hispanic businesses. Through a plethora of events, workshops, and networking opportunities, GHCC facilitates connections that foster growth and collaboration. 

The robustness of the GHCC comes from its five pillars: 

• Small Business Development
• Political Advocacy
• Leadership
• Women, and 
• The Next Gen. 

The Small Business Development arm offers over ten networking and workshop opportunities every month, access to networking groups including Gwinnett, North Fulton, Cobb, and Savannah, access to business accelerator programs, and access to resources for business development.

The GHCC is well represented at the Georgia State Capitol with full accessibility to key legislators and political leaders impacting business and the local community. It understands the political protocols and regulations within the legislative settings and uses this understanding to bring comfort and productivity to Hispanic enterprises.

Women and the Next Generation of Hispanics in the United States are among the strongest pillars of the GHCC. 45 percent of the businesses represented in the GHCC are women-owned, and women are granted full access to the Latina Leadership series and to resources for business development. 

The GHCC is a referral source for women's business certification through its trusted partnership with the ACE Women's Business Center. It also protects the business interests of the next generation of business owners by granting them access to Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) community events, exposure to community leaders, and access to potential employers. 

How GHCC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month, GHCC takes its commitment to celebrating Hispanic culture and entrepreneurship to new heights. The Chamber organizes special events, programs, and campaigns that showcase the vibrancy and innovation of Hispanic-owned businesses. These initiatives promote a sense of pride among the Hispanic community and allow the broader Atlanta community to engage with and appreciate Hispanic culture.

Three key events will be used this year to commemorate Heritage Month. 

1. Today, the fifty most influential Hispanic community members who have impacted the state of Georgia will be recognized from several categories, including Government, Media, Business, and other sectors.
2. On September 21st, the GHCC will celebrate the Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) graduating class of 2023 and connect with CHLI Alumni to expose community members to a new class of leaders in business. 
3. September 27th, the GHCC will host a Business Networking Group (BNG) and Multi-Partner membership mixer. The BNG, which provides opportunities to grow business networks every second Tuesday of every other month, uses education, networking sessions, or business events to bring together like-minded, highly-driven, and motivated entrepreneurs to mutually enterprise and discover innovative business solutions for members.

Conclusion

As we embrace the festivities of Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate not only the contributions of Hispanics but also the vital role of organizations like the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. GHCC paves the way for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community empowerment through its unwavering dedication to promoting Hispanic-owned businesses. 

If you're a Hispanic entrepreneur or business owner, consider affiliating with GHCC to unlock opportunities and be part of a transformative journey. From workshops to networking to celebrations, GHCC's impact is a testament to the power of unity in driving progress. Here's to wishing everyone a joyous and fulfilling Hispanic Heritage Month!