Latino Professional Leadership Institute to be launched at Bay Path University

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Bay Path University has partnered with the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to launch the Latino Professional Leadership Institute, a new initiative aimed at empowering Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners.

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The partnership was formalized in a signing ceremony held Tuesday at Bay Path's Longmeadow campus, where President Sandra Doran and LEDC founder Andrew Melendez announced the collaborative effort.

The Institute will offer 10-week non-credit, bilingual courses designed to support aspiring Latino business owners. These courses, to be taught by Bay Path instructors, will cover essential topics such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, operational efficiency, and marketing strategies. With the goal of introducing participants to a college-level business curriculum, the program aims to help Latino entrepreneurs thrive in today's competitive business landscape.

According to state estimates, Latino-owned businesses in Massachusetts have grown by over 34% in the past decade, compared to just 1% growth for other small businesses. Despite this, only 10% of small business loans are awarded to neighborhoods where people of color, including Latinos, are the majority.

Melendez highlighted the significance of this initiative, "The Latino Economic Development Corporation was created to help businesses access coaching, capital, and connections—critical resources that can be out of reach for many people of color. This partnership will give Latino entrepreneurs the knowledge and support they need to grow, with instruction and conversation in Spanish being a game changer."

The Latino Professional Leadership Institute will hold courses three times a year, providing a vital opportunity for local Latino entrepreneurs to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world.

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