Corporate and Community Partners, Calendar of Events, Program Highlights

NAHCC's month-long program runs from September 15 to October 15

9/15/2023: Mayor John Cooper presents a Proclamation honoring Hispanic Heritage

(photo credit: Karen Johnson, Register of Deeds).

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - September 15, 2023 -The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) announced the official beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month this morning from the steps of Nashville's historic Metro Courthouse.

The ceremony lead by Yuri Cunza, the NAHCC's President and CEO, featured members of the NAHCC Board of Directors and the NAHCC Foundation, as well as chamber members representing Hispanic owned businesses, and corporate and community partners.

The Honorable Nashville Mayor John Cooper presented a Proclamation on behalf the City of Nashville honoring the celebration during the NAHCC ceremony (see below). Claudia Zuazua, NAHCC board chair said: "As the board chair of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC), I'm deeply honored to welcome you all today as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is a celebration of the rich contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities to our society. Throughout September, we invite you to join us in celebrating Hispanic culture, history, and achievements through our many events and programs. We will also address the challenges and opportunities ahead as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable future."

Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's month-long business and community calendar of programs was announced including key business and community partners. See full calendar HERE.

State Representatives John Ray Clemmons and Aftyn Behn (newly elected) joined the ceremony

NAHCC's calendar highlights Hispanic population growth, purchasing power and economic impact. Women entrepreneur empowerment, engagement and support group activities; music, arts and culture, civic engagement, voluntarism, business leaders diversity, equity and inclusion round-tables and a continuing mentorship initiative by Hispanic business leaders with high school students. Strategic partnerships will be announced throughout the month-long program. In addition the NAHCC will take a delegation to the U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference (Orlando, FL Sept 24-26) facilitating access to opportunities for its 400+ member entrepreneur network.

"Census numbers released for National Hispanic heritage month are encouraging, placing our population at more than 63.7 million" said Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Hispanics are 3 times more likely than the general population to start a business. Latinos have been, job creators, starting and operating small businesses in a global economy they have contributed to the economic empowerment of our communities adding billions in revenue to the national economy. Over the past 10 years, the number of Latino business owners grew 34% compared to 1% of all business owners in the United States. In Nashville alone, Hispanics constitute more than 14% of the population at more than 100,000 and at least 7% of the state of Tennessee, at 479,187,000. This is what makes our country strong. It is everyone's priority to ensure that Latin@ entrepreneurs, mostly small businesses in the United States, have the resources and guidance necessary to access the economic support and opportunities in order to empower this essential sector of our country's economy" said Yuri Cunza, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

Before officially closing the month-long festivities, the NAHCC will host its 19th Excellence in Business and Community Awards on Thursday October 13 at Belmont University, an annual recognition of the Hispanic entrepreneurship spirit and how it impacts our local and state economy. The ceremony also recognizes Corporate and Community partners who help make the work of the chamber and it mission possible. The event traditionally features a reception with guest speakers, awards, food and beverage, and live music.

The NAHCC appreciates the support of its corporate and community partners Google, Regions Bank, Advance Financial, Piedmont Gas, Comcast/NBC Universal, Republic Bank, Lineage Bank, First Farmers, Amazon, Sanitas Medical Center, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Williamson Inc, MCGranite. the Nashville Film Festival, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The NAHCC anticipates many other sponsors to join before the end of Hispanic heritage month.

During Hispanic Heritage Month the NAHCC recognizes the professional, civic, cultural and business contributions of members and non-members in our community. To nominate someone who demonstrated commitment and leadership to the advancement of our organization, the Hispanic community, and our city, please send us you nomination via our nomination form online HERE before October 6, 2023. Click HERE for a list of NAHCC members.

"With more than twenty (20) business and community programs and events honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, we expect our 2023 celebration to be a memorable experience as we celebrate 19 years of recognizing the contributions of those who help make our city the best place to live, work and visit. Please join us!" - added Cunza.

For sponsorship opportunities please contact us via email or call 615-216-5737

Watch live coverage from Nashville Noticias HERE.

Thomas Sheffield, director of the Nashville Opportunity Fund for Pathway Lending talks about the partnership with the NAHCC Foundation for the Nashville Small Business Fund program,