2026 State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit
Programming
SPEAKERS
Arturo & Miriam Rivera
SPEAKERS
George Foster, Rosalia Zarate, Marlene Orozco
SPEAKERS
President Jonathan Levin & Carolina Jannicelli
SPEAKERS
Jennifer Garcia
SPEAKERS
Jose Pinero, Miriam Rivera, Eli Oftedal, Marlene Orozco
The venture capital landscape is undergoing a significant reset, reshaping how capital is deployed, evaluated, and scaled. This panel will explore current venture funding trends, shifts in investor behavior, and what the data reveals about who is getting funded. Panelists will unpack how risk, valuation, and growth expectations have shifted, what investors are prioritizing in early and growth-stage companies, and how founders can adapt their strategies accordingly. The discussion will offer clarity on the structural dynamics shaping venture today and provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to raise and deploy capital more effectively.
SPEAKERS
Allison Kelley, Martha Hernandez, Luis Gonzalez
For many entrepreneurs, CDFIs play a critical role in providing early access to capital. As businesses grow, however, transitioning to traditional bank financing becomes an important next step for scaling operations, increasing loan capacity, and lowering the cost of capital. This panel will explore how founders can successfully navigate that transition.
Panelists will discuss what banks look for as businesses mature, how to prepare financially and operationally for bank financing, and how to leverage early CDFI relationships to become “bank-ready.” Attendees will gain practical insights into strengthening financials, improving credit profiles, and building the relationships needed to move along the capital continuum with confidence.
SPEAKERS
Andy Tang, Ahmad Thomas, Valentina Ratner, Yusuf Kazi
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how companies are built, funded, and scaled. From venture capital to enterprise adoption, AI is redefining competitive advantage and unlocking new pathways to growth. Panelists will unpack how capital is flowing into AI, what investors are truly looking for, how founders are navigating rapid innovation cycles, and how financial institutions are adapting to support AI-driven growth.
SPEAKERS
Pepe Estrada, Tina Castaneda, Ivan Brenton, Oscar Ledezma
Breaking into large retail requires more than a great product. This panel will demystify what it really takes to become “retail ready,” from understanding how large retailers evaluate suppliers to navigating the application and contracting process. Panelists will cover how to position your company, prepare your operations, navigate procurement requirements, and avoid common pitfalls that can stall or derail promising opportunities. Whether you are just beginning to explore retail partnerships or actively pursuing large contracts, this session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and clear next steps to help you compete—and win—at scale.
SPEAKERS
Collin Wallace, Jenny Flores, Nykole Prevost, Travis Patton
Venture investing has entered a more selective era—where access to capital depends less on momentum and more on clarity, traction, and strategic positioning. Panelists will discuss how investors are underwriting risk in 2026, how expectations around growth and profitability have evolved, and where real opportunity exists despite a more disciplined market. The session will also unpack how emerging technologies, sector specialization, and market timing influence funding decisions.
SPEAKERS
Shana Peterson-Sheptak, Hector Arroyo, Adrian Sierra, Steve Hall
Cash flow, not just revenue, is what determines whether a business can truly scale. Panelists will offer insights on structuring capital responsibly, tightening collections, managing risk, and creating systems that give owners clearer visibility into their cash position. Whether you are navigating growth, preparing for financing, or simply looking to operate more efficiently, this session will equip you with tools and perspectives to strengthen cash flow and scale with confidence.
SPEAKERS
Don Chen, Julian Castro, Joe Bui, Cheryl Campos
Philanthropy plays a powerful role in shaping who gets to start, grow, and scale a business, by filling gaps that traditional markets and financial systems often leave behind. Panelists will discuss how grants, program-related investments, research funding, and capacity-building initiatives can unlock access to capital, accelerate business growth, and strengthen entire entrepreneurial ecosystems. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how philanthropy can be leveraged as a strategic force to expand opportunity, drive innovation, and build a more inclusive economy.
SPEAKERS
Raquel Morales, Christian Felix, Karem Ospino, Chris Montes
Owning commercial real estate can be a powerful strategy for building long-term wealth and positioning a business for sustainable growth. This panel will explore how SBA loan programs create accessible pathways to commercial property ownership, including opportunities for up to 100% financing for commercial property. Panelists will break down the financial preparedness required to pursue ownership, the lending options available through SBA programs, and how business owners can assess readiness from both an operational and balance-sheet perspective. Attendees will gain practical insights into structuring deals, navigating the application process, and understanding how commercial real estate ownership can support broader growth and succession strategies.
Network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. A paid ticket is required.
Includes entrance to the Gala with hosted beer & wine during the reception and a full-course dinner with open seating.
Panel Discussion:
From Seed to Scale: The New Reality of Venture Funding
Speakers
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The venture capital landscape is undergoing a significant reset, reshaping how capital is deployed, evaluated, and scaled. This panel will explore current venture funding trends, shifts in investor behavior, and what the data reveals about who is getting funded. Panelists will unpack how risk, valuation, and growth expectations have shifted, what investors are prioritizing in early and growth-stage companies, and how founders can adapt their strategies accordingly. The discussion will offer clarity on the structural dynamics shaping venture today and provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to raise and deploy capital more effectively.
Panel Discussion: Access to Capital: Resources for Entrepreneurs
Speakers
Access to capital remains one of the most critical—and complex—challenges for entrepreneurs seeking to start, sustain, and scale their businesses. This panel will highlight practical resources designed to bridge capital gaps for founders who may be early-stage, undercapitalized, or navigating traditional systems for the first time.
Panelists will explore how community-based capital providers combine flexible financing with hands-on support to help entrepreneurs strengthen financial readiness, build lender confidence, and position their businesses for long-term growth.
Panel Discussion: Shaping the AI Economy: Innovation,
Investment, and Opportunity
Speakers
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how companies are built, funded, and scaled. From venture capital to enterprise adoption, AI is redefining competitive advantage and unlocking new pathways to growth. Panelists will unpack how capital is flowing into AI, what investors are truly looking for, how founders are navigating rapid innovation cycles, and how financial institutions are adapting to support AI-driven growth.
Panel Discussion: Retail Contracts: What It Takes to Break Into Big Retail
Speakers
Breaking into large retail requires more than a great product. This panel will demystify what it really takes to become “retail ready,” from understanding how large retailers evaluate suppliers to navigating the application and contracting process.
Panelists will cover how to position your company, prepare your operations, navigate procurement requirements, and avoid common pitfalls that can stall or derail promising opportunities. Whether you are just beginning to explore retail partnerships or actively pursuing large contracts, this session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and clear next steps to help you compete—and win—at scale.
Panel Discussion: 2026 Investment Trends: Navigating
Opportunity in the Current Business Landscape
Speakers
Venture investing has entered a more selective era—where access to capital depends less on momentum and more on clarity, traction, and strategic positioning. Panelists will discuss how investors are underwriting risk in 2026, how expectations around growth and profitability have evolved, and where real opportunity exists despite a more disciplined market. The session will also unpack how emerging technologies, sector specialization, and market timing influence funding decisions.
Panel Discussion: Cash Flow
Optimization to Scale Your Business
Speakers
Cash flow, not just revenue, is what determines whether a business can truly scale. Panelists will offer insights on structuring capital responsibly, tightening collections, managing risk, and creating systems that give owners clearer visibility into their cash position. Whether you are navigating growth, preparing for financing, or simply looking to operate more efficiently, this session will equip you with tools and perspectives to strengthen cash flow and scale with confidence
Panel Discussion: Philanthropy as a Catalyst for
Entrepreneurship
Speakers
-scaled.webp)
Philanthropy plays a powerful role in shaping who gets to start, grow, and scale a business, by filling gaps that traditional markets and financial systems often leave behind. Panelists will discuss how grants, program-related investments, research funding, and capacity-building initiatives can unlock access to capital, accelerate business growth, and strengthen entire entrepreneurial ecosystems. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how philanthropy can be leveraged as a strategic force to expand opportunity, drive innovation, and build a more inclusive economy.
Panel Discussion: Commercial Real Estate Ownership: How SBA
Loans Unlock Financing Options
Speakers
Owning commercial real estate can be a powerful strategy for building long-term wealth and positioning a business for sustainable growth. This panel will explore how SBA loan programs create accessible pathways to commercial property ownership, including opportunities for up to 100% financing for commercial property. Panelists will break down the financial preparedness required to pursue ownership, the lending options available through SBA programs, and how business owners can assess readiness from both an operational and balance-sheet perspective. Attendees will gain practical insights into structuring deals, navigating the application process, and understanding how commercial real estate ownership can support broader growth and succession strategies.
Recommended Hotel
Santa Clara Marriott
The hotel will host LBAN’s Alumni Conference on March 24th and the SOLE Summit Gala Celebration on March 25th.
Use the link below to book at a special discounted rate (available until February 27, 2026). Rooms are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
Recommended Hotel
Santa Clara Marriott
The hotel will host LBAN’s Alumni Conference on March 24th and the SOLE Summit Gala Celebration on March 25th.
Use the link below to book at a special discounted rate (available until February 27, 2026). Rooms are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
Parking
The hotel will host LBAN’s Alumni Conference on March 24th and the SOLE Summit Gala Celebration on March 25th.
Use the link below to book at a special discounted rate (available until February 27, 2026). Rooms are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
Parking
The hotel will host LBAN’s Alumni Conference on March 24th and the SOLE Summit Gala Celebration on March 25th.
Use the link below to book at a special discounted rate (available until February 27, 2026). Rooms are limited, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
The LBAN SOLE Summit app brings our community together; making it easy to connect, plan your schedule, and engage with panels, speakers, and fellow attendees.
