KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 6, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- On April 4-7 local Hispanic students who have dreams of owning their own business will descend upon Aquila corporate headquarters for a three and half day entrepreneurship training and business plan competition. For the fourth year in a row the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation in conjunction with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Collaborative will host the annual Latino Youth Entrepreneurship "BizFest" program. Students will test their entrepreneurial skills as they compete for cash prizes, long-term business support and networking opportunities.
"BizFest" is the USHCC Foundation's signature youth entrepreneurship training camp. During the three and half day training, students will learn to develop entrepreneurial and leadership goals, identify investment opportunities, gain economic literacy, create business plans, and make professional presentations. "BizFest" winners will participate in the National "BizFest" Training and Competition at the USHCC 28th Annual National Convention & Business Expo Sept. 19-22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The training camp is sponsored locally by Aquila, Inc., the Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City Kansas Community College and several other local companies and organizations.
"BizFest is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring young entrepreneurs to convert their dreams of owning a business into a reality and to network with successful business leaders at the same time," said Frank Lopez, USHCC Foundation President. "The Kansas City event is unique because it gives the students a chance to interact in a corporate setting, versus the traditional classroom."
"We are proud to be partnering again with the USHCC Foundation and their successful BizFest program that has been so beneficial to the Latino youth of Kansas City," said Valerie Coyazo, Director of Supplier Diversity, Aquila, Inc. "The BizFest program provides our Hispanic youth of Kansas City with a wonderful opportunity to become key players in the business world both locally and nationally."
The Kansas City "BizFest" is one of several regional "BizFest" activities held throughout the country. "BizFest" will equip students with the tools to be successful in business and in life. Students will leave "BizFest" with increased self esteem, improved communication and math skills, financial literacy, workforce readiness and the ability to make intelligent decisions regarding their futures.
For more information on the USHCC Foundation's Latino Youth Entrepreneurship BizFest Program please visit www.ushccfoundationtv.org/bizfest.tv.
About The 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 Aquila, Inc.
Based in Kansas City, Mo., Aquila owns electric power generation and operates electric and natural gas transmission and distribution networks serving nearly 1 million customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. More information on Aquila is available at www.aquila.com.