The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce began in 1973 with a small group of minority business and community members that recognized the need for representation in the local business community. It has since been on a mission to create a better economic environment for its members and community by helping Hispanic businesses start, grow and network with other businesses, and by supporting an educated workforce.
Several programs have been established to offer exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The chamber has partnered with Bank of America for a Latinx Business Pitch Competition. Participants attend the “What are lenders looking for?” boot camp presented by Bank of America where they are paired with a business pitch coach. Five finalists are selected to pitch their business, with the winner receiving $3,000 to assist with startup expenses and growth capital.
The chamber has also partnered with Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County for its first RISE UP summer internship program that will pair high-barrier students, ages 16 to 24, with 10-15 small-to mid-size chamber business members. The program will not only provide professional experience for the students, but also access to talent for businesses.
Definitely not your traditional fundraiser, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Fiesta Night at the Rodeo is a fun rodeo event created 38 years ago as an additional source of revenue to accomplish the goals of the Hispanic business community. Fiesta Night at the Rodeo honors and celebrates the culture in the heart of Fort Worth with the Stock Show & Rodeo. Each year the chamber brings a crowd of 500 to 600 people to the rodeo, the largest private event in stock show history. The event features a dinner, auction, raffle, rodeo and dance, with live entertainment by a local artist.
Now a staple in the Fort Worth community, Fiesta Night at the Rodeo has sold thousand of tickets over the last 38 years and has raised millions of dollars for the Hispanic chamber. Every dollar raised goes towards scholarship and educational programming, workforce and economic development, grant programming and networking opportunities to benefit the business community. The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is excited to return to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in January 2022 for its 39th Annual Fiesta Night.