Hey team! What a couple of weeks it’s been! We launched our new HQ, celebrated Alejandro’s pitch competition win, watched Manuel move 20,000 pounds of frijoles like a legend, and welcomed some awesome new teammates. Everything is finally coming together—huge congrats! On that note, here’s a fantastic opportunity. Even if you think you’re not ready yet, go for it. The Brink SBDC is hosting a pitch competition, and I strongly recommend you apply! 🚀 Founders: Applications are OPEN for the ACE Pitch Competition 2026! Compete for your share of $250,000 in Acceleration Grants, pitch in front of expert judges, and showcase your company at the Elevate 2026 Conference. If you're ready to scale, this is your moment. 🗓 Deadline: December 12 🔗 Apply here: https://conta.cc/3M3Ce7b Hosted by The Brink SBDC at USD and funded through CalOSBA’s Accelerate California program. Even if you’re not applying, come join us! Get a firsthand look at the pitch competition experience, soak in the energy, and maybe spark a little inspiration of your own. General Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elevate-2026-tickets-1748625107769

Bad news & some great news!

Hola! Bienvenido to The Latino Startup community! 🚀 We’re excited to have you on this journey to unlock innovation, build thriving businesses, and strengthen our community’s economic future. Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Log in to Skool - Go to [Skool link] and sign in with your account. - Update your profile with your photo, bio, and what you’re working on. 2️⃣ Introduce Yourself... Please! - Head to the Community section and share a quick intro: - Your relationships to this incredibly talented group of people is perhaps the biggest value! 3️⃣ Explore the Classroom - Check out the Courses section for our Lean Startup tools, resources, and recorded sessions. - Start with the Problem Statement Module – it’s the foundation of our work together. 4️⃣ Join the Weekly Sessions - We meet every Thursday from 5:30–7:00 pm (PST). - These are interactive, hands-on sessions where you’ll test ideas, share progress, and learn with fellow founders. 5️⃣ Engage & Contribute - Ask questions, share wins, and support others in the Community feed. - The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. This is a true community of practice. ✨ Remember: This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. We’re building something deeper—real companies, real jobs, and real change. Together, we’ll unlock the genius that already exists in our communities. We’re excited to see what you’ll build. Let’s get started! Con mucho ánimo, David Favela Executive Director, The Latino Startup