Cohort 2 of LBAN’s Startup Accelerator dove into the realities of fundraising with a session focused on Pitch Decks and Venture Capital. We were joined by entrepreneur & investor Lawrence Chavez, who offered practical insights on what investors look for, how to craft a compelling pitch, and how to build authentic connections with VCs in today’s market. One key takeaway: Investors know your team is incomplete, so show them your plan to close those gaps. He emphasized the importance of transparency when discussing team composition and use of funds, reminding founders that investors don’t expect perfection, but they do want a roadmap forward. Access to capital starts with access to knowledge, networks, and community. We’re proud to foster inclusive spaces where these opportunities are available to all. Huge thanks to Lawrence for sharing his knowledge and time! Applications for our next cohorts are now open. Take the next step in scaling your business within a thriving, supportive network: lban.us/our-programs #LBANstrong (fb)

Access to capital remains one of the most persistent barriers facing Latino entrepreneurs. For the past decade, our research has consistently shown that Latino-owned businesses face systemic challenges in accessing capital. Today, Latino entrepreneurs are half as likely to receive full funding compared to their White counterparts (21% vs. 40%). Equally concerning is the lack of transparency—only 51% of Latino business owners receive an explanation when denied funding, compared to 86% of White-owned businesses. This gap makes it difficult to address application issues and reinforces longstanding inequities in the financial system. In response, many Latino entrepreneurs have turned to personal savings or high-interest funding sources like credit cards to fuel their growth. This recurring reliance highlights the resilience of Latino entrepreneurs but also underscores the urgent need for equitable access to capital in the financial ecosystem. 📄 Learn more in the 2024 SOLE Report (https://www.lban.us/research) #LBANstrong (fb)