Detroit Students Gain Competitive Edge Through Youth Entrepreneurship Training

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 18, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Detroit-area high school junior and seniors will hone their entrepreneurship skills and learn to turn hobbies into profitable ventures at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation Regional BizFest competition. The Detroit BizFest is part of a series of entrepreneurial training camps in partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

"Education is a top priority for Ford Motor Company Fund, and we are proud to continue our partnership with the USHCC Foundation on its innovative BizFest program that paves the way for future entrepreneurs and business owners," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Thirty students from Detroit-area high schools have been selected to participate in this intensive four-day workshop, taking place November 18-21st at the Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Dearborn, Michigan. Participants will learn how to launch their own business, establish entrepreneurial and leadership goals, create a business plan, identify investment opportunities and other skills needed to become effective business leaders.

"BizFest gives aspiring young entrepreneurs practical, hands-on training on owning a business, marketing and networking. Through BizFest we hope to inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow," said Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the USHCC Foundation. "We value our partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, which allows us to offer Hispanic youth in Detroit this unique experience. This also provides an opportunity for us to collaborate with the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce which has long-supported our program."

At the closing of the event, the top students will present business plans to local business leaders to compete for different awards, including scholarships and prizes as well as long-term business support. The winner of the Detroit regional BizFest will have the opportunity to participate in the National "BizFest" Competition at the USHCC 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Dallas, Texas, in September 2010.

The Detroit BizFest is one of several regional BizFests held throughout the country. BizFest is the USHCC Foundation's signature youth initiative. The BizFest training in Detroit will be conducted by Peter Hornberger, a Blended Learning and Consulting Specialist; Lenin Agudo of the Latino Business Resource Center; and Dama Gonzalez of Bilingual Executive Strategic Training (BEST). Carlos Ojeda, Jr., a motivational speaker and educator, will also participate in the program.

About the USHCC Foundation:

The USHCC Foundation is committed to the advancement of the Hispanic community's economic development and entrepreneurship skills through the empowerment of Hispanic-owned businesses, growth of the Hispanic chamber of commerce network and promotion of life-long learning experiences for Hispanic youth and entrepreneurs. The Foundation's broad-based approach is coupled with proactive strategy, which is reflected in the diverse number of USHCC Foundation-driven programs created to reach constituencies of all age groups and needs. For more information on the USHCC Foundation please visit www.ushccfoundation.org.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services:

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is a community relations and philanthropic non-profit funded by Ford Motor Company. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009, Ford Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster and promote innovation in education, greater automotive safety and American heritage and diversity. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS), which provides 21st century skills-based curriculum to more than 40,000 high school students; and Ford Driving Skills for Life, which has taught safe driving skills to more than 337,000 young drivers. In addition, the Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, enlists the help of thousands of Ford employees and retirees who volunteer their time to continue Ford's legacy of community service worldwide. For more information about programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, please visit www.community.ford.com, www.volunteer.ford.com or www.abrighterfuture.ford.com.