PURCHASE, NY — To celebrate Latina small business owners, PepsiCo launched year three of Juntos Crecemos’s Jefa-Owned campaign which recognizes the cultural and economic impact Latina-run restaurants contribute to the community.
The campaign provides business-building resources and enhanced visibility for Latina entrepreneurs. This year, Juntos Crecemos partnered with actress and philanthropist Stephanie Beatriz and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to champion Hispanic empowerment and encourage consumers to dine at Latina-owned businesses.
“We launched Jefa-Owned in 2022 to shine a spotlight on Latina-owned small businesses while helping to address the unique challenges they face at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey,” said Esperanza Teasdale, VP and GM, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “Three years into this effort, PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos has supported hundreds of Jefa-Owned businesses through various programs and initiatives and remains committed to helping them thrive through financial, educational and community building resources.”
Central to the collaborative efforts, a new grant and mentorship program was designed to address the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face in business.
“Latina entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are driving innovation, inclusion, and vibrancy within the economic landscape.” — Antonio Escalona | senior VP, emerging business | PepsiCo Foods North America
“Latina entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are driving innovation, inclusion and vibrancy within the economic landscape,” said Antonio Escalona, senior VP, emerging business, PepsiCo Foods North America. “We are proud to join forces with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support entrepreneurs in turning their visions into reality and strengthen the jefa community at large.”
PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos will award $200,000 in grants to 20 women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage category to grow and scale their businesses. The grant application period will be open until Sep. 27.
The awarded recipients will gain access to the Business Health Accelerator and Boost Camp, a digital community space that offers business coaching workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship.
Additionally, the grant recipients will receive access to Juntos Crecemos Hispanic Digital and Delivery Program, a five-week series that includes personalized consultations on marketing, delivery logistics and search engine optimization — a package valued at about $12,000 per participant.
