The BizFest Training and Competition is an innovative and intensive entrepreneurship program that empowers Latino youth with knowledge and insight into the world of business. This 3 day concentrated workshop teaches high school students how to turn hobbies into profitable business ventures, offers hands on practical training for aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforces a proactive attitude and encourages students to stay in school, go to college and become future Hispanic business leaders of this country. Delivered by the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA), BizFest is a signature program of the USHCC Foundation.

Expert trainers from UTPA teach students a variety of relevant business techniques, focusing on aspects such as:

• Establishing entrepreneurial and leadership goals.
• Creating business and life plans.
• Networking in professional environments.
• Making public presentations.

The BizFest curriculum focuses on two critical components – leadership development and entrepreneurship training. During the leadership development portion of the training, students must assess and evaluate their attitude, level of commitment, discipline and other personal traits in relation to achieving success in life and business.

As students go through the academic component, they develop a viable business idea and business plan, which is then presented to a panel of judges. The top three winners at the regional competition win ipads and are invited to attend the USHCC Annual National Convention to compete in the National Competition with other students across the country. The top three winners at the National Convention will receive a scholarship for college. The USHCC Foundation covers all costs associated with travel, meals and lodging.

Trainer Bios

Tammi Redd is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA)

Miguel Baeza is a doctoral candidate (ABD) in Business Administration at The University of Texas-Pan American

Professor Sargent is a professor at the University of Texas Pan American

Professor Sibin Wu is an assistant professor of management at The University of Texas-Pan American

This year’s national BizFest competition is proudly sponsored by: