2024 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Summit
Location
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On behalf of Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Latino Business Action Network, the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) invites you to the 9th Annual SOLE Summit, consisting of a forum and gala.Â
SOLE Forum
Location: CEMEX Auditorium at the Knight Management Center (GSB)
Time: 11:30 a.m. Pacific
Ticket: Free, but registration is required
Unveiling Key Results from the 2023 Research Survey & Panel DiscussionsÂ
The SOLE Forum is our signature research event for the latest and most comprehensive insights on Latino entrepreneurship. Join us in person or virtually as we share our research findings from the 2023 annual survey, including highlights on financing trends, access to government and corporate contracts, and more. In addition, in-person participants can join panel sessions that provoke deeper discussions around the research findings. Watch last year’s recording.
“Very informative about Latinos and Latinas business owners and the areas where focus and actions need to be taken in order to strengthen our community and economy.” – 2023 participant
If you’re unable to attend this event in person, there will be an option to view the research presentation via livestream. Details on how to tune in will be distributed to registrants at a later time.
Networking Opportunities & Business Expo
Our in-person event brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, capital providers, and ecosystem builders committed to championing Latino-owned businesses. In addition to networking with people from varied industries, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with exhibitors from companies that have participated in LBAN’s Business Scaling Program at Stanford.
“Exceptional opportunity to connect with people that make things happen!” – 2023 participant
SOLE Gala
Location: Crowne Plaza Palo Alto
Time: 6:30 p.m. Pacific
Ticket: Paid ticket required
Networking Reception & DinnerÂ
To cap off the day’s programming, we invite attendees to join us off-site for the SOLE Gala. This festive dinner celebration brings together SOLE Summit attendees for continued networking and a spotlight on Latino entrepreneurship.
Agenda
Registration and Business Expo
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Arturo Cazares, CEO, Latino Business Action Network
Dr. Richard Saller, President, Stanford University
Research Findings
George Foster, SLEI Faculty Advisor and The Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Management, Stanford GSB
Dr. Barbara Gomez-Aguinaga, Associate Director, SLEI
Panel Discussion with Latina Entrepreneurs
Panelists: Noramay Cadena, Carla Cervantes, Sophia Stone; Moderator: Jennifer Garcia
Fireside Chat
José E. Feliciano, Managing Partner and Co-founder, Clearlake Capital Group
Jonathan Levin, Phillip H. Knight Professor and Dean, Stanford GSB
Closing Remarks
Jerry Porras, SLEI Faculty Advisor and Founder, Latino Business Action Network
Victor Arias, Jr., Chairman and Co-founder, Latino Business Action Network
Open Networking and Business Expo
Panel Discussions: Session 1
The Power of Allocation: How Asset Allocators Shape a Diverse and Inclusive Capital Landscape
Discuss the crucial role that diverse fund managers play, track the flow of capital from LPs to VCs to founders, and learn about the role that asset allocators play in creating a diverse and inclusive capital landscape for founders.
Panelists: Neena Ballard, Alejandro Guerrero, Valeria Martinez, Liz Roberts; Moderator: Daryn Dodson; Host Remarks: Raquel González
Unlocking Capital: Enhancing Credit Access for Latino Entrepreneurs
Are you ready to take your business to new heights but need the financial backing to do so? Discover the diverse range of lending institutions available and uncover how they can fuel your company's growth and success.
Panelists: Jose Quinonez, Perla Rodriguez, Amadea Sanchez; Moderator: Jenny Flores; Host Remarks: Ruben Barrales
Fueling Economic Growth: Investing in Immigrant Entrepreneurship
Join the discussion on the transformative role of immigrant entrepreneurs in driving economic expansion. Discover strategies to support their ventures and change narratives around their contributions.
Panelists: Odet Ford, Reyna Maldonado, Pedro Moura, Max Vargas; Moderator: Iliana Perez; Host Remarks: Ying McGuire
Open Networking and Business Expo
Panel Discussions: Session 2
Redefining the VC Landscape: The Untapped Opportunity of Latino Startups
Despite Latinos outpacing non-Latinos in the tech sector, less than 2% of venture capital flows into their ventures. Explore the evolving VC landscape and the vast potential of Latino startups.
Panelists: John China, Miriam Rivera, Maricel Saenz; Moderator: Elian Savodivker
AI as a Catalyst: Transforming Strategies for Responsible Enhanced Business Outcomes
The intersection of AI strategy and ethics has never been more critical in a world increasingly driven by technology. This session will explore the utility and responsible implementation of AI business solutions.
Panelists: Antje Barth, Roberto Beltran, Rafael Granato, Jorge Torres; Moderator: Rebecca Gonzales
The Power of Mergers and Acquisitions to Propel Your Company Forward
Delve into the strategic utilization of M&A as a catalyst for growth and expansion in your business. Whether you're contemplating an exit strategy or seeking avenues for scaling, engage in the dialogue to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Panelists: Tomás Durán, Nick Maldonado, Mark Mokelke; Moderator: Abigail Golden-Vazquez; Host Remarks: Ebony White
Reception and Gala
To be held at Crowne Plaza Palo Alto. A paid ticket is required.