The Mexican Business Association (AEM) unveiled its “Flavors of South Philadelphia” campaign on August 13 at the Mexican Consulate, bringing together 17 businesses, including restaurants and service providers, with the goal of promoting Latino entrepreneurship and strengthening the local economy.
Mexican Consul in Philadelphia Carlos G. Obrador Garrido Cuesta highlighted the importance of supporting small business owners throughout the region.
“It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about their projects, hear their experiences, and, above all, create connections that contribute to the growth and strengthening of our business community,” he said.
He also emphasized that Latino entrepreneurs not only contribute to the economic development of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, but also enrich the region’s cultural diversity.
Nelson Gutiérrez, AEM’s new commercial corridor manager, said one of the organization’s main challenges is expanding its reach within the Hispanic community.
“The work the Association does for our Hispanic community is very valuable, and now we need to make sure it reaches more people. That is the challenge: letting people know that entrepreneurship is possible and that achieving the American dream we are all pursuing is within reach,” he said.
AEM President Felipa Ventura stressed that Latino-owned businesses help drive the city’s progress and improve the lives of countless families.
“When you support or shop at one of these businesses, you are helping a family and a city. Those of us who immigrated did not come looking for opportunities; we create them, and we come here to contribute to Philadelphia,” said the Mexican businesswoman.
Martín Alfaro, creator of the “Flavors of South Philadelphia” campaign, recognized the Association’s efforts to raise the visibility of small businesses and encouraged community members to support them.
Among the guests was State Representative Benjamin Waxman of Pennsylvania’s 182nd District, which includes Washington Avenue and the South 9th Street business corridor, where AEM has carried out much of its work and where the historic Italian Market is located.
Waxman explained that since taking office in 2022, one of his priorities has been maintaining close ties with immigrant communities in the district.
“We work with both residents and business owners to help them access grants, state funding, and other resources, especially at a time when not all levels of government are doing what they should for immigrant communities,” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that AEM members recently traveled to Harrisburg to meet with state legislators and strengthen relationships with the growing Latino Caucus in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
The event also highlighted entrepreneurial success stories. Honduran entrepreneur Rosa Flores, owner of Rosa’s Flowers Floral Studio, shared that she launched her business about three years ago and operates primarily online.
“We work through social media, our website, phone calls, and messaging,” she explained.
Ecuadorian painter Raúl Cuéllar, who resides in Philadelphia, exhibited several acrylic paintings inspired by fantasy themes.
“What I like is creating art that is more than just a painting, something that also conveys the energy of this artistic style,” he said.
The event concluded with a performance by the folkloric group Ñuuxakun, directed by instructor Andrea García Espinal. Their traditional dances celebrated Mexican heritage and reinforced the event’s central message: supporting Latino-owned small businesses is an investment in the economic, cultural, and social development of the community.