More than 300 people attended El Clasificado’s 20th anniversary event for Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners.
NORWALK, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 — More than 300 people attended the Su Socio de Negocios Expo on Sept. 23 for an evening of business education, networking and a conversation with three CEOs about the challenges of building a company.
El Clasificado presented the free Spanish-language event. The featured entrepreneurs were Esmeralda Hernández, founder and CEO of Beauty Creations Cosmetics; Raúl Fernando Rodríguez, co-founder and CEO of Movita Juice Bar; and Elvia Chávez, CEO of MC Electric and Contracting.
The three CEOs shared stories about the risks, setbacks and lessons behind their businesses. During an open-microphone session, attendees asked questions in Spanish about challenges they face in their own companies, and the panelists answered from personal experience.
“The energy in the room was unmatched,” Chávez said. “What I loved most were the real business questions. The conversation was practical and focused on what business owners are actually dealing with every day.”
“These are not people talking about entrepreneurship from a textbook. They built their businesses themselves,” said Martha de la Torre, CEO and co-founder of El Clasificado. “They know what it is like to start small, overcome obstacles and keep going when success is far from guaranteed. That is what we want Su Socio de Negocios to provide — the opportunity for Latino entrepreneurs to learn from people whose experiences they can relate to and whose success shows them what is possible.”
The evening also brought together three former El Clasificado employees who are now entrepreneurs: Clemente González of World Options, Adam Rodríguez of AI Capital Funding, and Evelyn Romero of ER Signing LLC, who also brokers at Premier Wholesale Mortgage. They attended to make connections and explore partnerships.
“Thousands of Latino small business owners have helped build El Clasificado over the years,” de la Torre added. “Su Socio de Negocios is one of the ways we give back by helping the next generation of entrepreneurs build stronger businesses.”
The Expo marked the 20th anniversary of Su Socio de Negocios, which El Clasificado founded in 2006 to provide Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs with practical education, resources and connections. Presented in partnership with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, the event also featured more than 20 exhibitors serving the small business community.
“I loved the connections between different businesses. I’m looking for partnerships where we can share information,” said Fannie Ordoñez of Taxes by Marlene, who attended for the first time at a friend’s suggestion.
Financial questions were among the topics raised during the evening.
“Access to capital remains an important issue for Latino small business owners. These conversations help entrepreneurs understand the importance of separating personal and business finances, building business credit, and exploring financing options available to ITIN customers and other entrepreneurs,” said Jae Kim, vice president and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Bank of America.
Su Socio de Negocios continues its year-round programming on Oct. 21, from 7 to 10 a.m., with a free breakfast workshop, “How to Grow Your Business with Video Marketing.”
About Su Socio de Negocios
Founded by El Clasificado in 2006, Su Socio de Negocios provides Latino entrepreneurs with free Spanish-language business education, events, digital content and connections to resources.
About El Clasificado
Founded in 1988, El Clasificado, operating as EC Hispanic Media, serves Hispanic communities through ElClasificado.com, print publications, digital services and community events.
About the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce
The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses through advocacy, leadership and partnerships. Its partnership with El Clasificado helps make Su Socio de Negocios events accessible to the small business community.
Photos and media contact
View and download event photos
Photo credit: El Clasificado
Fátima Vélez
Public Relations and Community Affairs Manager
562-450-5067
