PROGRAMS

As the only CDC in the State of Missouri engaged in the creation of economic development initiatives for the Latino community, HEDC has developed a continuum of services that are not only unique but also vital to Kansas City’s Latino community.  HEDC provides services to the community through the following programmatic areas:

Business Development

HEDC provides direct technical assistance to Latino entrepreneurs already in business, as well as those looking to start a business.  Since each client situation is unique, clients of HEDC receive one-on-one technical assistance on a case management basis.  Among the services provided to assist existing and aspiring entrepreneurs are: 

• Business Planning, including assistance with writing a business plan
• Finance/Accounting
• Licensing/Permits
• Legal/Insurance Issues
• Location/Real Estate
• Marketing, including assistance with writing and implementing a marketing plan
• Preparation for loan packaging
• MBE/WBE Certification
• Spanish First Step FastTrac

When clients come to HEDC they know we are an organization that is not only culturally sensitive, but also one that understands the manner in which Latinos conduct business.  Our staff’s ability to be both bilingual and biculturally sensitive leads to the development of close relationships between staff and clients, these relationships allow us to better serve as advocates for their needs.  In addition, HEDC has developed key partnerships with area lenders and other business development agencies to provide clients with greater access to services. 

The Business Development program also offers workshops covering a wide-range of business and economic development issues.  These workshops are designed to educate and inform entrepreneurs about business issues in an interactive setting that allows them to not only learn from staff but also from other entrepreneurs.  The Business Development workshops are either customized for specific clients or general, in which case they are open to the public.

The HEDC Business Development Program collaborates with many organizations throughout the Greater Kansas City area in order to offer clients with a wide range of business resources.  Among these collaboratives are:

• KC SourceLink
• UMKC Small Business Development Center
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Northeast Chamber of Commerce
• Small Business Administration
• GO Connection

HEDC’s Business Development Program receives and provides referrals to many other collaboratives.

Spanish First Step FastTrac

The Spanish First Step FastTrac (Primer Paso FastTrac) is a 36-hour business training course that was designed to introduce business concepts to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs who have little or no business experience. The 12-week course employs an experimental “how-to” hands on approach where students complete a feasibility plan for their business concept. They are introduced to basic business concepts such as: marketing, market penetration, price and profitability, budgeting, researching competition and business financials. The course also educates entrepreneurs about the regulatory issues that are required and the proper steps to make sure they are in compliance with their business venture. The class offers students the opportunity to learn from qualified and certified instructors and coaches, as well as from each other.

The Spanish curriculum that is offered by HEDC is planned, organized and taught by staff that is 100% bilingual and bi-cultural. Once individuals have completed the Primer Paso FastTrac course they will continue to receive business development assistance through the HEDC Incubator Program and/or technical assistance and case management currently offered through the Business development Program. The ultimate goal is the creation of healthy businesses. These various business development components create a true continuum of services for the community and create stronger micro-enterprises within the Hispanic community.

Real Estate Development and Reinvestment Program

Within Kansas City’s urban core there are several neighborhoods that are identifiable within the Latino community.  These neighborhoods play an important role in the community from a social, cultural, and commercial aspect.  They are an initial starting point for many Latino immigrants, as they serve as the center for cultural events, are home to many Latino businesses, provide services and goods specific to the Latino community, and are the heart of the community.

Recognizing the importance of these neighborhoods, HEDC has established a program that seeks to assist these neighborhoods by developing blighted and/or underdeveloped properties within the area; by attracting public and private resources that will induce positive real estate development and by advocating against issues that are detrimental to these areas. 

HEDC is utilizing a portion of the fund to support the development of key properties in hopes of attracting investment as well as positive uses within the Latino community.