May 19, 2026 | 12:30pm - 6:00pm
Pybus Public Market | Wenatchee, WA
Latino Founder Day 2026
As part of the 2026 conference, we are proud to host Latino Founder Day, a Spanish-language pre-conference program designed to elevate and support Latino entrepreneurs who are building and growing businesses.
Latino Founder Day creates an accessible space for entrepreneurs to share ideas, learn from experienced founders, and build relationships with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners. The program helps ensure that emerging entrepreneurs have the connections and resources needed to grow their businesses.
This is a free event for the community. Registration is required.
A note about registration: If you are attending the Flywheel Investment Conference with an All-Access ticket and want to attend Latino Founder Day, please register separately for it so we know you are coming!
A Day of Learning and Connection
12:30pm - 1:00pm | Check-in & Networking
Doors open, networking, and visit with entrepreneurs and service providers at their booths.
CAFE, Cosmos Cleaning Service, Country Financial , CP Septic, Fusion Air Lighting Partners, High Quality Fence LLC, Mendoza Insurance Services, Neu Flessenow Cellars, Salvadorian Crafts, Yanse Gift Boutique.
1:00pm - 1:10pm
Welcome from NCW Tech Alliance
Dr. Sue Kane CEO, NCW Tech Alliance
Latino-owned businesses play a vital role in the strength and future of our regional economy. As the leader of NCW Tech Alliance, Dr. Kane will share the organization’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all entrepreneurs have the resources and support necessary to thrive. Her remarks will set the stage for a day dedicated to connection, growth, and the collective success of the North Central Washington business community.
1:10pm - 1:30pm
Opening Remarks
Mayte Tarin Co-Founder, Leading Connections Consulting
To kick off Latino Founder Day, emcee Mayte Tarin will share personal reflections on her path as a serial entrepreneur and a dedicated advocate for the Latino business community. Drawing from her experience building multiple ventures and supporting the growth of others, Mayte will set the tone for the day by exploring the resilience, vision, and community-driven mindset required to turn a single idea into a lasting entrepreneurial journey.
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Foundations of Growth: Strategy, AI, and the Modern Founder
Rodrigo Carriedo CEO & Co-Founder, Propio
How do today’s most resilient companies move from initial launch to sustainable scale? In this opening keynote, Rodrigo Carriedo deconstructs the essential pillars of modern business growth through the lens of the Latino founder experience. He will share actionable insights on how to build a business that is both tech-forward and mission-driven, kicking off Latino Founder Day with a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the current entrepreneurial landscape.
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Beyond the Launch: The Reality of Building and Scaling
Laura Bruders Torres Owner & President, Neu Flessenow Cellars
Mayra Garcia Founder, Viva Creative Studio
Silvia Villanueva mar Founder, The Cleaning Box
What happens after the grand opening? This panel explores the "real work" of entrepreneurship: the constant process of adjusting, learning, and growing a business. Featuring founders at various stages of their journey, this session pulls back the curtain on what growth actually looks like—from navigating critical pivots and identifying true customer needs to adopting the systems and support networks that keep a business moving forward. Attendees will walk away with honest lessons learned the hard way and practical, actionable advice they can apply to their own business ventures this week.
Moderated by Rosie Martin, Project iLumina Lead, NCW Tech Alliance
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Networking & Connection Break
Take a break to build the professional relationships and community ties that help businesses thrive. We invite you to explore the room, visit the booths to meet local entrepreneurs, and connect with our partner service providers who offer resources to support your growth.
3:00pm - 3:30pm
The Capital Roadmap: Navigating Funding Pathways
Juan Barraza Executive Director, Latino Founders
In this session, Juan Barraza provides a comprehensive guide to understanding your business’s financial needs and the various pathways available to meet them. From bootstrapping and traditional loans to venture capital and grants, Juan will demystify the funding landscape to help you identify the right capital stack for your specific growth goals. By bridging the gap between financial requirements and strategic options, this presentation equips founders with the clarity needed to navigate the complexities of fundraising while honoring the unique experience of the Latino entrepreneur.
3:30pm - 4:00pm
The Entrepreneur's Journey: Real Stories, Real Lessons
Cindy Gonzalez Owner & CEO, The Bloom Flowery
Josue Ramirez Founder & CEO, Fusion Air Lighting Partners
Building a business is as much about the personal journey as it is about the professional milestones. In this session, two dynamic entrepreneurs pull back the curtain on the "behind-the-scenes" reality of the Latino founder experience. Josue Ramirez and Cindy Gonzalez will share their individual entrepreneur journeys, detailing their unique paths from the initial spark of an idea to the lessons learned through setbacks and success. The storytelling is followed by a candid fireside chat led by Mayte Tarin, exploring the shared values of resilience, grit, and the community connections that fuel entrepreneurial growth.
4:00pm - 4:30pm
Three Paths to Growth: From Worker to Owner
Bianca Penuelas Managing Partner, Prospera Ventures
Most founders don’t own a business; they own a job. In this session, Bianca Penuelas shares her journey of scaling a brand from $400k to $20 million by transitioning from a hands-on to a strategic leader. Using a simple building methodology, she defines three distinct paths every owner must choose between: A Tool Shed, A Family Home, and A Managed Building. Attendees will learn how to audit their own path, empower their teams, and build a business that provides true freedom for their families.
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Social Hour
Join us after the program for a social to celebrate the Latino entrepreneur journey. Enjoy hosted food and drinks while mingling with fellow attendees and speakers. The entrepreneur and service provider booths will remain open for final conversations and resource sharing as we wrap up Latino Founder Day in community.
