Chicago High School Students Kick-off United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2012 Bizfest Program

- Students to participate in entrepreneurship training program January 14-16, 2012 -

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation, in conjunction with Ford Motor Company Fund and the Coca Cola Company, announced today the start of the national 2012 BizFest Youth Entrepreneurship program to begin this January in Chicago, Illinois. This innovative entrepreneurship program teaches Hispanic high school juniors and seniors how to successfully turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures, giving them firsthand exposure to business planning and development. BizFest Chicago will take place at the Northeastern Illinois University on January 14-16, 2012, and is co-hosted by the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"As the only four-year Hispanic Serving Institution in the Midwest, Northeastern Illinois University is committed to providing opportunities for Hispanic youth to get the educational experiences they need in order to be successful leaders," says Vicki Roman-Lagunas, acting provost and vice president for academic affairs. "As host of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's BizFest, we are thrilled to welcome high school students from across the region to participate in this event, which certainly will encourage today's students to continue on their path toward becoming tomorrow's business leaders."

The three-day training event is designed to teach students a variety of relevant business techniques through a curriculum that focuses on leadership development and entrepreneurship training. During the leadership development program, students will be asked to evaluate their own personal attitude, level of commitment, discipline and other personal traits in relation to being successful. Serving as the capstone of BizFest, students will be asked to develop a practical business idea and plan, which will be presented to a panel of judges. Expert trainers from the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) will teach students various business skills including how to network in business environments and how to give presentations.

BizFest Alumni Jessica Delgado, who participated in the 2004 program in Detroit, says that she continues to apply her learnings from BizFest to her career today at Ford Motor Company Fund's premier educational initiative - Ford Next Generation Learning. "During the program we had the opportunity to challenge traditional concepts with edgy and creative alternatives," she says. "You develop and apply not only business and career relevant skills, but life skills.  Entrepreneurship, business plan development and execution are trending topics that can really excel your ideas into reality and BizFest equips you with the tools to bring those ideas to life."

Joedis Avila, Community Outreach Manager, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services says Ford is committed to driving dreams and opportunities through education. "That is why we're proud to support the USHCC Foundation BizFest program and help pave the way for future entrepreneurs and business leaders," he adds.

The top three students from Chicago will win an iPad and a trip to Los Angeles, CA to compete against the BizFest 2012 winners from across the country at the USHCC 33rd Annual National Convention & Business Expo this September.  Students at the national competition will compete for college scholarships and have additional exposure to internship and networking opportunities.

"Illinois is home to over 45,000 Hispanic-owned businesses and our young Hispanic entrepreneurs will play a central role in not only maintaining, but growing that powerful business presence," says USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "Hispanic business leaders already represent the fastest growing segment of the population, but by providing our youth with innovative educational programs such as BizFest, we are helping fuel the American workforce by empowering capable, passionate future entrepreneurs."

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.ushcc.com.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and community life.  For more than 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund has operated with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and dealers work on projects each year that better their communities in more than 40 countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce