In today’s competitive business landscape, access to capital and resources can make all the difference for start-up entrepreneurs. Recognizing this pressing need, NALCAB member, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), is dedicated to supporting Latino communities and businesses in Alabama. Recently, ¡HICA! received a $105,000 grant from NALCAB, accompanied by extensive technical assistance (TA) and training to help strengthen ¡HICA!’s capacity to provide capital and small business development services, particularly to Latino-owned businesses in Alabama. 

This initiative also involved implementing new policies and procedures for ¡HICA!’s Camino Loan Fund, ensuring streamlined access to financial support for entrepreneurs. One success story stemming from this collaboration is Heavenly, Gifts by Liz, a specialty gift store in Pelham, Alabama, owned by Liset Martinez. Before partnering with ¡HICA! in January 2022, Liset juggled multiple responsibilities as a working single mother and an accounting student at the University of Alabama Birmingham. While working at Principe de Paz Catholic Church, Liset identified a lack of specialty stores catering to the Latino community’s needs for religious and cultural events, so she set out to fill the gap. Over 15 months, Liset found support from the dedicated staff at ¡HICA! where they provided tailored TA to increase her credit score, intensive training on business management, and valuable insights into effective marketing strategies. Additionally, Liset was granted access to networking events, allowing her to forge connections and enhance her business’s visibility within the community. 

In April 2023, Liset received a $10,000 loan from ¡HICA!’s Camino Loan Fund. This investment served as the foundation for Heavenly, Gifts by Liz, enabling Liset to secure a storefront in a nearby retail center, cover initial rental costs, and procure essential inventory. With support from Wells Fargo, NALCAB, and ¡HICA!, Heavenly by Liz quickly became a beloved shopping destination for locals, positioning her as a community leader. Initiatives like the Camino Loan Fund spearheaded by ¡HICA! and supported by NALCAB can help fuel economic growth. As Heavenly, Gifts by Liz thrives, it stands as a testament to the impact of community support, access to resources, and the determination of those who chase their entrepreneurial dreams.