TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold a business gala on Nov. 9 highlighting Tulsa's Hispanic and Latino businesses.
Dr. Martha Zapata, the organization's president and CEO, said there are challenges facing many business owners in the Hispanic community.
“Many Latinos don't have enough money to promote their businesses,” Zapata said.
Because of this, she said they have to rely on partnerships and word of mouth.
“The Tulsa Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is here to change that and raise the profile of Hispanic businesses.”
She hopes the gala can do just that.
This is the second annual celebration honoring business owners.
Jose Bamarca is from Guatemala and runs 918 Maple Tacos and Catering.
After finding success catering events ranging from weddings to birthday parties, he was able to open his own restaurant.
Alexander Gomez immigrated from Venezuela and is the owner of Tulsa Mobile Bartenders.
They both needed to grow their business from the ground up to stand out from the crowd.
Both companies were recognized for their efforts and products at last year's Business Gala.
Bamarca said Hispanic business owners are coming together to help each other instead of competing.
“That's what it means to grow. I'm used to supporting other businesses,” he said. “Then I refer them to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which can provide them with even more resources.”
This is exactly how Bamarka and Gomez met.
“As immigrants, we are excited to have these opportunities and grow,” Gomez said.
For more information on how to vote for your favorite Hispanic- and Latino-owned businesses and get tickets to this year's gala, visit the Chamber's Facebook page.
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