5 things to know about Nevada’s Latin Chamber of Commerce

The Latin Chamber of Commerce in Nevada serves one of the country’s fastest-growing business communities. Here are five things you should know.

Latinos are making great strides in Nevada in more ways than one.

Not only does the community comprise nearly 30 percent of the population, but NPR reports that Latinos and Hispanics own almost 20 percent of the state’s businesses—three times the national average.

One of the key supporters of Latin-owned businesses in Nevada is the Latin Chamber of Commerce, located at 300 N. 13th St. in Las Vegas. Founded in 1976 by Otto Mérida, the organization has provided tools and resources to Latin and Hispanic-run businesses in the Silver State for 48 years.

Those who are part of the local Latin community and own a small business or want to start one may benefit from learning more about Nevada’s Latin Chamber of Commerce. To begin your introduction to this important organization, here are five things you need to know.

1. Nevada is a great place to start a business

Nevada has one of the country’s fastest-growing Hispanic communities, but that’s not the only reason these businesses flourish here. 

The Silver State is a great place to start a business because there is no personal or corporate income tax. The state’s governor, Joe Lombardo, and municipalities are business-friendly, and the chamber is here for support. 

In fact, about 57 percent of Hispanic households in Nevada are considered middle class—a higher percentage than any other state in the country, according to 2022 data from Stateline.

To top it all off, there are more than 300 days of sunshine here yearly and a top employment growth rate, per the US Labor Department.

With so many opportunities to flourish, there’s no time like the present to start a business in Nevada. “Do not hesitate,” says Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. “Waiting will only slow your success!”

2. The chamber’s president is the son of an immigrant

Guzman began leading the Latin Chamber of Commerce over 30 years ago. He is a perfect example of Latin immigrants achieving the American Dream.

The son of a Cuban immigrant, Guzman moved to Las Vegas from Florida with his family when he was two. He grew up in Nevada, then married and raised his own family here. He also led a successful career as a small business owner, real estate investor, and developer, earning national recognition.

Even with his accomplishments, however, Guzman felt something was missing.

“That something turns out to be giving back,” he explains. “The Latin Chamber gave me the opportunity of a lifetime in terms of ‘giving back.’”

3. The chamber helps businesses in any stage

About 1,500 of the state’s Latino-owned businesses are members of the Latin Chamber. 

In many cases, the group provided those entrepreneurs with the support they needed to open their businesses while also advocating for existing businesses “and giving a voice to the sometimes voiceless,” says Guzman.

Whether starting a brand new business or bringing an existing business model to Nevada from another state, business owners get the resources needed to launch, grow, and thrive. Assistance ranges from registering, getting a business license, and trademarking to choosing a legal structure and marketing the business.

Other benefits of joining the chamber include:

• Chamber members receive access to ideas, information, technical assistance, and support for growing their businesses.
• Chamber members are connected to various community and wider resources like the Small Business Administration, the United States Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada Secretary of State.
• The chamber promotes the success of its members and Hispanic-owned businesses.
• The chamber facilitates positive business, cultural, and educational relationships.
• The chamber produces a monthly newsletter highlighting members, sponsors, and activities. You can sign up on the website.

In addition to these benefits, the Latin Chamber of Commerce partners with Nevada’s black community to provide grant assistance to small businesses in under-resourced neighborhoods through the Valley Center Opportunity Zone (VCOZ).

4. The chamber creates connections

The Latin Chamber of Commerce is a highly respected organization with 4.5 stars on Google and 4.8 stars on Facebook. 

The organization provides monthly networking opportunities to connect like-minded business professionals. The group also organizes educational events and grand opening galas to celebrate the growth and success of members.

During a recent luncheon hosted by the Latin Chamber of Commerce, members had the opportunity to meet and discuss business strategies with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) head Dana White. 

Another recent event, Shop Small Nevada, celebrated the success of small local businesses. 

The chamber will kick off 2025 with a business and networking luncheon at Suncoast Hotel & Casino, featuring a fireside chat with professionals from the Las Vegas healthcare workforce. Check out the Chamber website for a listing of 2025 events.

5. The chamber is a proactive organization

The chamber is active politically, advocating for strong policy and action that will impact the success of businesses. For instance, the organization hosted an event in Las Vegas this summer with UnidosUS, convening state policymakers and community leaders to address housing challenges faced by Latinos in Nevada.

Additionally, the chamber helps young community members even before they become entrepreneurs. The Latin Chamber Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to students in need of financial support.

To learn more about the Nevada Latin Chamber of Commerce or to become a member, visit the group’s website.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.