Immigrant entrepreneurs play a fundamental role in the economy of our nation, our state, and the Central Valley as well. In the current context of the pandemic and a depressed economy, immigrants can contribute to the reactivation of economic activity, the wellbeing of their respective families, the creation of employment opportunities, and also the financial health of local, state and national governments. Moreover, self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities can contribute to the personal development of our local residents.

With this in mind, in Fall 2020 CVIIC and partner organizations launched an innovative, pilot project to promote immigrant self-employment and entrepreneurship. The project had three principal target audiences:

• A cohort of Latino immigrants from the Central Valley who received intensive entrepreneurial trainings from October 2020-June 2021
• An online community of Latino immigrants who received ongoing information and resources, as well as monthly training opportunities.
• Representatives of partner organizations who received monthly technical trainings to improve their organizations understanding of immigrant self-employment and entrepreneurialism.

in Fall 2022, CVIIC launched the 3rd year of the program, recruiting 50 participants who constitute the 5th cohort to receive self-employment and entrepreneurship training. In addition, CVIIC offers multiple trainings on industry-specific topics. The program is developed and strengthen thanks to the collaboration of regional, state and national partner organizations.