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Date: 5/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Amplify Latinx — a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that advances Latinx leadership representation, economic prosperity and civic engagement — has expanded its PowerUp Latinx Business Initiative to Springfield.
“The organization convened to build a working coalition that includes the Latino Economic Development Corporation, grassroots organizations and elected leaders. With the support of LatinoEDC, the PowerUp Latinx Business Initiative has created a plan for delivering culturally responsive business teaching assistants to 15 Springfield Latinx family daycare businesses,” said the organization in a written statement.
“PowerUp is a Amplify Latinx-led, collaborative initiative focused on increasing growth and economic opportunity for Latinx-owned businesses in Massachusetts. Its mission is to create visibility for Latinx-owned businesses, facilitate connections to existing resources and advocate for capital and equitable contracting opportunities,” they added.
Amplify Latinx Community and Advocacy Director Tómas Gonzalez explained that the organization was founded in 2018 by the Latina Circle. Initially created as a space for Latino executives to feel comfortable — while prioritizing advocacy and leadership — the organization has since grown into what it is today.
Through Amplify Latinx, PowerUp was created. “Amplify is the noun and PowerUp is the verb,” said Gonzalez.
PowerUp offers small business technical assistance and support, among other services.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Gonzalez said they were not into direct service but after, were basically “thrusted” into it while many were filling out Personal Protective Equipment applications, looking for funding and trying to become stabilized.
Once the state committed more money for technical assistance, Gonzalez said that was provided to small, micro businesses as those are the “backbone” of the local economy.
In July 2021, pilot programming funding was dedicated to family daycare providers. He shared that this was for societal reasons as it took a hit to the economy. “They [daycare providers] were most hit during the pandemic,” Gonzalez said. With parents working from home, daycare providers were not needed. So, they became their focus, he added.
One of the aspects of Amplify includes economic prosperity, which PowerUp touches upon. Between family daycare, retail, construction and more, Gonzalez said they wanted to hone in on the needs of the community.
He went on to say that Lawrence and Springfield became “realistic targets” because of the Latino presence.
By serving these small businesses, it “builds wealth” he shared.
With a goal of assisting 15 family daycare businesses in Springfield, they are currently at 10.
With help from coalition partners in Springfield, they received a list of over 200 people and began doing one on one outreach.
As daycare providers do not always work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job, most outreach must be done at night or on the weekends. After watching six or more kids every day, Gonzalez noted that they do not always have the energy to talk after that, so patience and flexibility is essential.
The outreach is conducted with a strict intake process and all daycare providers must be a part of the PowerUp program.
Gonzalez said people go into childcare for the love of the children, but often forget about the business side of it. Without a business plan in place, there cannot be any growth.
Through outreach, they can see where everyone is at in their business trajectory.
With the expansion of the PowerUp program into Springfield, Gonzalez said this is the “most important thing” they could have done and will continue the ongoing effort to help family daycare providers across the state.
Amplify Latinx has satellite offices in Boston, Lawrence and Springfield. The Springfield location is in a shared space with the LatinoEDC.
To learn more about Amplify Latinx, visit amplifylatinx.com.