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Building Our Futuro
The Center for Latino Economic and Talent Advancement
Our Mission
The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working with all members of the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic owned businesses and to assist the professional growth of Hispanics in West Michigan.
La misión de la cámara hispana es impulsar el desarrollo económico de negocios Hispanos y apoyar el desarrollo de profesionales Hispanos en el oeste de Michigan.
Our Story
Celebrating 21 Years of Impact
What began over two decades ago as a modest office with just one Executive Director and part-time support has transformed into the thriving organization we know today—the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC). Now with a dynamic team of eleven full-time professionals, the Chamber stands as a vibrant hub of community, innovation, and economic empowerment.
The WMHCC is deeply committed to advancing Hispanic-owned businesses and supporting the professional development of Hispanic talent across West Michigan. Our work centers on two core pillars: Business Development and Talent Development, each designed to unlock opportunities and drive lasting impact.
Throughout our journey, we’ve built strong relationships with community leaders, corporations, and government agencies—collaborating to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges and create pathways to generational wealth in communities of color.
Today, the WMHCC is recognized as a vital regional asset, signaling to businesses and investors that West Michigan is a place where entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and nationalities are not only welcomed but actively supported.
Why Your Support Matters
West Michigan’s Latinx community holds incredible potential—but faces unique, systemic barriers that require culturally responsive, intentional solutions. When these barriers are addressed, the entire region stands to benefit from the resulting economic growth and innovation.
Despite a national boom in Latino entrepreneurship—with a 34% increase in Latino-owned businesses from 2009 to 2019—West Michigan has yet to see similar momentum. Today, Latinx-owned businesses make up less than 5% of the region’s total. At the same time, companies across the region are actively seeking Latinx talent, yet a gap remains in the infrastructure needed to connect Hispanic professionals to these opportunities.
One of the most critical needs is space. Entrepreneurs lack access to essential resources like conference rooms and co-working areas—spaces that could accelerate business development, spark innovation, and nurture the next generation of Latinx-led enterprises.
With your support, we can change that. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy—one that uplifts the entire West Michigan region.
Building Our Futuro
A Center for Latino Economic and Talent Development
We are excited to announce the future home of the Center for Latino Economic and Talent Development — a vibrant, 12,000-square-foot facility located at 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW in the heart of Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood. This area, rich with Hispanic heritage and culture, will soon be home to a dynamic hub for economic growth, education, and community celebration.
Join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a stronger future.
Strategically positioned to anchor new commercial development along the Godfrey corridor, the Center will stand as a beacon of opportunity and innovation.
Designed to achieve LEED certification, the Center will include:
- Modern meeting spaces for WMHCC staff and clients
- Flexible rooms for workshops, training programs, and drop-in coworking
- Rentable office spaces
- A dedicated children's room and a wellness room
- A welcoming café space for visitors and entrepreneurs alike
At its heart, an event space with capacity for 200 people will host businesses and corporations, as well as offer space for conferences, cultural celebrations, quinceañeras, and other important gatherings — making it a true home for the entire West Michigan community.
The Center for Latino Economic and Talent Development will be more than just a building — it will be a living, thriving tribute to Hispanic culture in West Michigan. It will empower Latino individuals and families to create economic opportunity, build generational wealth, and celebrate their vibrant heritage.
Join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a stronger future.
Have Questions?
For questions about making a gift, please email Kimberly at Kimberly@westmihcc.org.
How You Can Help
On May 2, we broke ground on the new Center for Latino Economic and Talent Development — a milestone made possible by the incredible generosity of our community. Thanks to your support, we have already raised more than $11 million toward our $11.6 million goal.
But we’re not done yet.
We still need to raise the final $600,000 to fully fund this transformative project — and we need your help to make it happen.
Your gift will bring this vision to life — creating a vibrant space where Latino entrepreneurs, families, and community members can thrive for generations to come.
We’re so close. Will you join us and help us cross the finish line?
Campaign Progress:
