- Top three winners to receive college scholarships -

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation announced today that 12 high school students from McAllen, Texas, and San Diego, California, have been selected to participate in the National BizFest Youth Entrepreneurship Competition at the USHCC 32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Miami Beach, Florida, from September 18 – 20, 2011.  

BizFest is an innovative and intensive entrepreneurial training program, sponsored by Sam's Club, which teaches Hispanic high school juniors and seniors how to turn their hobbies into profitable business ventures. The twelve students headed to Miami Beach represent the top contestants from the 2011 regional BizFest competitions that took place across the country, earning the highest ranks for categories such as 'Most Innovative,' 'Most Entrepreneurial' and 'Business with the Most Potential.'

"I know that the entrepreneurial spirit of this convention will inspire the students as they partake in this competition," says Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO. "These students have already shown amazing work ethic and entrepreneurial potential and it's amazing to watch the next generation of Hispanic leaders grow first hand as past participants enter the workforce. We wish them all the best of luck, and truly look forward to seeing their continued success in the Hispanic business community."

During the competition, expert trainers from the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) will teach the students various business techniques, including how to network in business environments, how to deliver presentations and how to develop succinct pitches. Students will work to refine their winning business plans, and present them to the panel of judges. Sam's Club representatives Joy Dawkins, Membership Manager, and Pablo Ramirez, Membership Manager, will act as judges for the competition, alongside Julian Canete, President, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Nancy Navarro, Chairman, Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the convention, students will attend various workshops and educational events.  They will also have an opportunity to utilize their newly developed networking techniques as they meet and mingle with successful Hispanic entrepreneurs at what is considered the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Hispanic students," says Brett Biggs, Senior Vice President, Operations at Sam's Club South Division. "Not only do they learn how to work together in a productive manner, but they also receive advanced business training from expert educators, and have the chance to receive financial help toward the pursuit of higher education.  These young adults are the future of tomorrow, and we are proud to be able to help them in any way we can."

The winners of the competition will be announced at a dedicated BizFest reception, immediately before the Chairman's Gala on Tuesday, September 20, at 7 p.m. at the Fontainebleau Hotel. The top three winners of the BizFest competition will receive college scholarships as recognition of their achievements; the first place winner will receive $3,000, second place will receive $2,000 and third place will receive $1,000.  

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.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation