Government officials and Hispanic small-business owners held a roundtable discussion Thursday to explore needs of owners, federal funding opportunities and expanding access to resources.
Congressman Bill Foster and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood co-sponsored the event at Sergio’s Furniture in downtown Aurora.
Guests included Congressman Tony Cardenas of Los Angeles, a former businessman.
He was among 15 government officials and business owners that comprised the roundtable.
Attendees included Aurora Ward 1 Alderman Emmanuel Llamas and Aurora Ward 2 Alderwoman Juany Garza.
Other officials participating were State Sen. Karina Villa, State Rep. Barbara Hernandez and State Rep. Dagmara Avelar.
After opening remarks by Foster and Underwood, owners recounted establishing businesses and experiences applying for federal funding.
After the roundtable, a visit was scheduled to Charlie’s Silver Spoon Creamery, a Hispanic-owned ice cream shop in Aurora.
—Al Benson