Columbus honors Hispanic-owned businesses and Mercadito Raíces graduates at Capa Festival Latino in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Twenty-four Hispanic entrepreneurs were honored at this year's Capa Festival Latino in Columbus.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for twenty-four Hispanic entrepreneurs graduating from the Mercadito Raíces program this year at the Capa Festival Latino. The Mercadito Raíces program is a Spanish-language business development initiative led by Catholic Social Services and the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Columbus State.

The program offers bilingual classes and mentorships to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. Those participating in the program are provided with twelve bilingual workshops and more than sixty hours of one-on-one coaching. The program covers everything from marketing to pricing and business licensing.

A release from the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) states that the number of Hispanic-owned businesses is growing by 7.7% every year. They also say Latino-owned businesses have increased by 44% compared to only a 4% growth among all United States businesses.

While nationally, numbers are increasing, organizers for today's event say Hispanic-owned businesses are underepresented in Columbus.

"Twenty-four brand spanking new local businesses of local businesses opening up at the Latino festival is an inspiring story of perseverance and just sweat and thriving to ensure that they are providing economic development to our city," says Ramona Rayes with Catholic Social Services.

The Mercadito Raíces businesses showcased at the Festival Latino include industries such as food, fashion, wellness, home services, and cultural products. The Festival Latino is happening this weekend at Genoa Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission for the festival is free.