Apr 8, 2021
The inequities that have always existed in the U.S. have been exacerbated. It’s no secret that the gap is most palpable in Silicon Valley, because of the blatant inequitable access to resources and opportunities for people of color. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, I talk to Jesús Flores, President of Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley and fierce advocate for the interests of the small business community of Santa Clara County. When I was invited to participate in virtual Bay Area recovery discussions last Fall as Co-Chair of Equity + Entrepreneurship, it was evident after just a few interactions that a deeper conversation was needed with Jesús to truly understand the pain points of the immigrant and undocumented small businesses he represents: eviction, displacement, navigating rental moratoriums, limited English proficiency, access to capital, technology, technical assistance, legal counsel, transportation, meeting basic human needs. With a group of committed partners, Jesús is determined to ensure these small businesses that employ over 68,000 people not only survive but THRIVE.