Thriving Together: Celebrating Hispanic/Latino-Owned Businesses in Central Virginia
11.19.2024
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LISC StoriesLISC VA Stories
Richmond and its surrounding counties are home to nearly 100,000 Hispanic and Latino individuals — a population that has grown by over 300 percent since 2000. Despite this significant and growing population, the Hispanic/Latino community often faces barriers to essential community resources. While this community contributes greatly to the region's economic development, many Hispanic-owned businesses struggle with inequitable access to capital. Black- and Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses receive only three percent of venture capital investments, compared to 72 percent for White-owned firms. Language barriers, a lack of traditional banks, and mistrust of institutions often prevent them from securing the growth capital needed for expansion, job creation, and building family wealth. Without targeted programs, these businesses are frequently left out of broader economic opportunities.
To address this, Michel and Lisa Zajur founded the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VHCC) in 2000. What began as a community gathering at their restaurant, "La Siesta," grew into opportunities for Hispanic/Latino youth and families to share resources and explore Latin American culture. Today, the VHCC organizes events, resources, and programs that break down barriers for Hispanic/Latino families and businesses.
"As a child, I watched my parents struggle to figure out the business system in the U.S. and saw how grateful they were to receive guidance and assistance from a successful business owner in Richmond,” said Michel Zajur. After he began to implement his own business plan, he came to realize how he could support members of his community. “I began giving my guidance and assistance to them on an informal basis, from my own business and personal network connections. I was passionate about helping other people, and after realizing there wasn’t a specific organization in Richmond to help Latinos, I decided it was important to establish the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a resource."
As a child, I watched my parents struggle to figure out the business system in the U.S. and saw how grateful they were to receive guidance and assistance.
Seeing the value of this organization and program, and with support from Altria, LISC Virginia and VHCC partnered to provide accessible capital and coaching to small businesses in the Hispanic/Latino community. LISC Virginia deeply values VHCC's dedication to fostering a diverse and thriving Richmond — their work is an invaluable asset to Central Virginia. In celebration of this partnership, we’re highlighting some of the businesses supported through this initiative.
1. My Empanada
Juan and Claudia Urrea
Claudia Urrea and her husband Juan, originally from Colombia, launched their business with just an oven and a mixer, renting a kitchen and making everything by hand. Their homemade empanadas quickly gained popularity at local farmers markets, and after a year of hard work, they struggled to keep up with demand. They not only sell empanadas but also educate customers on what they are and how to enjoy them!
By 2022, their success allowed them to open a storefront in Henrico, while continuing to operate their food truck and attend farmers markets and festivals. They’ve grown from using ten pounds of beef per week to 80 pounds, illustrating their rapid expansion and popularity. The Virginia Hispanic Chamber supported them during this journey, providing them with mentorship and business planning support, and offering opportunities like the Que Pasa Festival to connect with the community.
2. Control Key
Jessana Lozada and Pedro Duque
Pedro Duque and Jessana Lozada, expert locksmiths with over ten years of experience, founded Control Key after moving to the U.S. from Venezuela seven years ago. Before starting their business in 2019, Pedro worked as an electrical engineer, while Jessana brought law degree with two specializations to lead the company's operations. According to Pedro, "She’s the brains of the company!" About Pedro, Jessana remarked, “You have no idea how passionate and how much he loves working in this business!” Working with their oldest son, they are a true family-run business!
Control Key specializes in automotive locksmith services, offering key duplication, smart key services, remote programming, and mobile service. The couple received support from the Virginia Hispanic Chamber, including a funding opportunity and professional development classes.
3. Chiki's Pancakes
Alexa Aguero
Alexa Aguero founded Chiki's Pancakes in 2022 after moving from Venezuela with her family, bringing her business skills to a new venture. Chiki’s Pancakes offers specialty and custom mini pancakes and other sweet treats! During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexa started by making pancakes and selling them to close family and friends, quickly realizing there was a huge demand. A booth at a local bazaar marked a turning point, turning her venture into a formal business.
Chiki's Pancakes opened its first location with a small kiosk in Regency Mall and has since expanded to include locations in Chesterfield Towne Center and Potomac Mills, along with food trucks for festivals and special events. Alexa’s vision for Chiki’s Pancakes includes building it into a franchise, and she runs the business with her family, with her cousin handling web and branding designs and her mother and cousin actively working alongside her.
Connect with Chiki’s Pancakes!
This program was made possible through LISC Virginia's partnership with VHCC and Altria.
