Agency helps minority entrepreneurs through new business incubator

Power Media Group kicked off 2010 with the launch of Power Woman Business Center, in an effort to help minority entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses during the difficult economic recession.
The new business incubator in Santa Clarita, which offers low-cost office facilities as well as the training and resources necessary to guide entrepreneurs towards professional success, celebrated its grand opening in January with dozens of local community members, business owners, government representatives, elected officials and civic leaders. “The time of recession is also the time of opportunities,” says PMG Founder and President Patricia Gracia. “We started our business in 2001, another recession, and look where we are today. Nothing is impossible. With the support and resources of this center many businesses will be able to reach success.” Today, the Center is already home to a burgeoning group of businesses.

Among them is the event planning business Truly Chic Affairs, which Kendra Quiros is growing steadily and with discipline. “The first step towards achieving your goals is desire,” says Quiros, who as a member of the Power Woman Business Center is now planning a major event – The New You Women’s Expo that hopes to bring together thousands of guests. Similarly, Arleen Orland is chasing her own dream. With the launch of her computer school, the Santa Clarita Technology & Career Development Center, Orland is finally achieving her lifetime goal.

Power Woman Business Center is giving her a location where to teach her classes and an office space from which to conduct her business in a professional manner. “My goal is to grow my business and help those that need my services obtain better jobs,” says Orland.
Others such as Leticia Hernandez are using the cozy kitchen lounge at the Power Woman Business Center to meet with customers. During daily nutrition breakfasts Hernandez introduces clients to products by Herbalife, a wellness company that offers high-quality nutrition, weight-management and personal-care products.
“It’s a great way to help others lead a healthy lifestyle while at the same time it’s a way for me to make a living,” she says Recognitions

Since the official inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Power Woman Business Center Jan. 21, the founders of Power Media Group, Patricia Gracia and Tony Gracia, have received several recognitions for their initiative. Elected officials, business organizations and the local community have commended their effort in creating a platform to accelerate the growth and development of small businesses while leveraging the resources and advertising know-how of Power Media Group on behalf of the entrepreneurs. Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon presented the Center with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and McKeon sent a video message from Washington congratulating Patricia and Tony.

Power Woman Business Center also received a certificate of recognition from state senator Tony Strickland and members of the California Assembly Cameron M. Smyth and Steve Knight. Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich as well as the Mayor of Santa Clarita Laurene Weste, and the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, also sent certificates of appreciation and recognition. The Center operates in the 11,000 sq. ft. Spanish style multi-story house, which became the agency’s new headquarters last year, and which was purchased in 2008 with the help of an SBA 504 Loan.

The increasing percentage of the US demographic profile represented by ethnic minorities presents an opportunity to marketers and retailers, according to The Nielsen Company.

Hispanic Shoppers

• Tend to spend more on categories for babies and children. Hispanic households represent 11.8% of CPG total spending, but 16.6% of disposable diaper sales.
  
• Tend to spend more in traditional mass merchandise and warehouse clubs.
  
• Tend to spend more on food consumed at home.
  

About Power News

Power News is a free, monthly publication, designed to provide information about the advertising agency Power Media Group, its clients, projects and campaigns, as well as the latest trends and analysis about issues affecting the advertising industry.

The dynamic newsletter features client profiles, notable achievements and innovative techniques and ideas. It includes industry insider knowledge about the world of marketing and advertising - complete with statistics and research - which is a powerful tool for any business owner in today’s economy.

Please send all questions, comments and suggestions to info@powernews.com. Also you can visit our websites: http://www.powermediagroup.com and www.powerwomanbc.com