Strengthening Latino Small Business Resiliency

Capital One Partners with CHCI and NALCAB for a Better Future for Latino Entrepreneurs

For a second consecutive year, Capital One proudly sponsored the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. during Hispanic Heritage Month this September. This year's conference–themed "Developing The Leaders We Need For A Better Future”–gathered over 600 Members of Congress, staffers, corporate executives, community leaders, educators, celebrities, media personalities, CHCI program participants, and alumni for high-level discussions aimed at improving empowering Latino small business owners and job creators.

At the NALCAB National Conference in Nashville, TN, Stephanie Sawda, Senior Business Director at Capital One, opened a session by reflecting on the conference’s theme, Abriendo Caminos—“opening pathways”—capturing the spirit of Capital One’s work with community partners. She spoke about the importance of expanding access to capital for small business owners and entrepreneurs and the vital role CDFIs play in making that possible – both in urban and rural communities.. 

By collaborating with leaders at CHCI, NALCAB, and beyond, Capital One is helping to widen economic pathways of opportunity and empower the next generation of small business owners.

Strengthening Latino Small Business Resilience
Throughout the CHCI conference, one thing was clear: the success of the Latino community is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire U.S. economy. Small businesses account for more than 43% of our GDP and are vital to Main Street America–each contributing meaningfully to local economic growth, job creation, and community success–and Latino-owned businesses are particularly dynamic and fast-growing, showing a 44% growth in the number of businesses over the past five years. 

Despite small business growth and  impact on the broader economy, entrepreneurs often face challenges such as accessing capital, scaling operations, and hiring and retaining talent. Respondents to 2025 Capital One Insights Center research on small business owners also magnified that running a small business is not easy, and business owners face recurring challenges, sharing that some of the most difficult aspects of managing their businesses are planning for the future (45%), time management (42%) and managing cash flow (39%). 2024 Insight Center research around small business resiliency by the Insights Center revealed other ongoing themes: the ability to pivot and face adversity as business leaders is essential to growth and success in the small business sector. 

At this year's CHCI Annual Leadership Conference, Capital One’s multi-year research was top of mind. Conference discussions centered on how to harness the impact and potential of Latino communities across the country to build wealth and address key challenges in today’s evolving economic and technological landscape. At the conference, Capital One organized a panel discussion moderated by Jackie Padilla, Secretary of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, to explore strategies for building sustained resilience.

Recognizing the Power of Latino Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is a challenging path that requires ongoing dedication and commitment. Opening remarks at the event were provided by panelist Dan Arellano, SVP of Business and Card Partnerships at Capital One, who shared his family's personal experiences echoing this sentiment: “I grew up in a family of small business owners. My grandfather owned a community printing press and I used to spend days at my aunt's version of a bodega in LA Paz, Bolivia - mostly trying out her candy. Most recently, I have been incredibly privileged to watch my wife and her business partner build a business, here in DC. And am naturally inspired by that commitment and grit that adventure requires,” Arellano said. 

Panelist Marlene Orozco, the CEO of Stratified Insights, shared data demonstrating that without new businesses started by Latinos during the Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic, there would have been no net new business growth in the U.S., yet this growth is still ongoing. Research and attending panelists highlighted that the necessary passion and hard work must also be backed with baked-in support systems in the community. Marisa Calderon, President & CEO of Prosperity Now and fellow panelist, captured this sentiment perfectly: "Hard work is not enough…you need to have a well-constructed social network of people who can help you, especially in times where you'll need to be resilient.” 

In order to continue to improve economic circumstances and boost stability of small businesses in these communities, there are a few key areas that community leaders and officials can focus on: 

• Optimism: Nearly half (48%) of all small business owners said the past year (2024 - 2025) had been the most difficult to run their small businesses, and 56% said they have faced more uncertainty this year than last as they navigate the external environment. Despite that, many small business owners expressed optimism about the future: An overwhelming majority of resilient owners (89%) shared that they are excited about opportunities to grow their businesses this year.

• Access to Capital: Business owners must continue tapping into creative ways to access capital and benefit from digital tools, as credit access is essential. Resilient business owners say they use credit card rewards to buy needed equipment (48%) and increase inventory (44%) – increasing short-term resiliency for long-term success. 

• Digital and Financial Literacy: Improved education on AI, investing, and personal finance–especially as Latinos are high adopters of new technologies–could have a huge impact paired with improved access to digital infrastructure and devices to bridge the divide.

• Mentorship and Networking: Fostering strong social networks and mentorship opportunities is crucial for entrepreneurial success and resilience.

Capital One's ongoing partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders underscore ongoing dedication to fostering economic empowerment through knowledge sharing and active investment in the communities where our employees live and work. Together, these moments spotlighted the rising power of entrepreneurs and the community organizations driving their success. They also underscored a clear call to action: small business owners can all benefit from increased access to mentorship, capital, and trusted digital tools to thrive. 

In connection with the Discover acquisition, Capital One’s $265 billion Community Benefits Plan includes $15 billion dedicated to small business lending and launch of Ventures Lending, aiming to accelerate innovation and lending across the business community. The plan is designed to enable greater access to safe and affordable housing; expand access to credit so small business owners can sustain and grow their businesses; increase access to credit for low-to-middle income consumers; build high-quality local infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of essential services; and support the development of schools, civic centers, and healthcare facilities that are vital to building strong and vibrant communities.

Capital One is focused on building lasting partnerships, sharing data and digital tools, and helping mission-driven lenders strengthen their capacity to serve small businesses. Ongoing Insights Center research findings, non-profit partnerships and impactful conversations with community leaders and residents continue to drive Capital One to actively engage in initiatives that strengthen small businesses, address barriers, and champion a more prosperous future for all. 

About the Capital One Insights Center
The Center combines Capital One research and partnerships to produce insights that advance socioeconomic mobility. As a nascent platform for data and dialogue, the Center strives to help changemakers create an inclusive society, build thriving communities and develop financial tools that enrich lives. The Center draws on Capital One’s deep market expertise and legacy of revolutionizing the credit system through the application of data, information and technology.