KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the “Folklore” Grant Program is back, made possible by a collaboration between Fresco Marketing, Wells Fargo and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The program will provide $10,000 grants to 10 local Latino small businesses.
Luis Padilla, founder of Fresco Marketing, the company behind “Folklore,” said the event started as a networking opportunity and grew into something much bigger.
“This is not just financial support, it’s like an investment in the heart of the community,” Padilla said.
Padilla said they received more than 100 applications last year and expect even more this year.
One such business is Virginia Mercado’s Thunderlite Work Boots, a construction equipment shop on Central Avenue.
KSHB spoke with Mercado in Spanish through an interpreter.
“It started after I lost my job in 2017,” Mercado said. “I saw a need in the community, so I started a new project.”
Mercado will receive a cash prize in 2023, which he could use to invest in inventory and marketing.
“What do you think the future holds? I envision growth,” Mercado said. “Other places where we can help our customers. That’s our mission and our vision. When it’s time for people to work, that’s our mission and our vision to make sure they have a safe and prosperous life.”
Applications will open on Thursday, September 26th. More details here.
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