Community collaboration benefits student entrepreneurial aspirations

MIAMI, May 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Three bright aspiring Miami entrepreneurs garnered the opportunity to train and compete at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation Regional BizFest in Sacramento, CA in September. These three students were part of an introduction to business training funded by Ford Motor Company Fund. The USHCC Foundation holds similar trainings throughout the year and throughout the country to help Latino youth turn their entrepreneurial ideas into profitable business ventures through hands-on practical business training.

Held April 28-May 2, 2008 in Miami in partnership with the Cuban American National Council (CNC), the course featured 25 students representing the Little Havana and Hialeah Institutes, managed by the CNC. During the three-day program, participating students developed a viable business idea and a detailed executive summary on their idea. The executive summaries were then evaluated by a panel of judges and the three strongest ideas were given the opportunity to train and compete at the upcoming Regional BizFest in Sacramento taking place during the USHCC 29th Annual National Convention and Business Expo. The three finalists are Tasharia Spivey, Keishla Torres and Roberto Garcia all from Little Havana Institute.

"We are proud to have these talented young adults join us in Sacramento, they truly are outstanding aspiring entrepreneurs," said Shana Mosher, Senior Director of Program Operations. "Not only was this an opportunity for bright Latino and minority youth to learn the essential steps of opening their own business but with the collaboration of local community based organizations like the CNC, it helps open their eyes to the resources and support services that are available to them in their own community."

"Education is a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund. We are proud to support USHCC Foundation because of the innovative programming it provides Hispanic youth," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We also are pleased to see a partnership form between the USHCC Foundation and the CNC, both organizations with which Ford Motor Company Fund has longstanding relationships."

About USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford does business. Established in 1949 and made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford's legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, salaried employees, union members, retirees and their families participate in wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit
www.ford.com .