What it is
The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) is a membership-driven chamber founded in 1976 and formerly known as the Ibero American Chamber. It works to support the economic development of the Washington, DC metropolitan region by helping businesses succeed through networking, advocacy, education and access to capital. Its office is at 800 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006.
What it offers founders
The Chamber's nonprofit arm, the GWHCC Foundation, provides technical assistance to low- and middle-income businesses. Through the Small Business Advancement Program, funded by annual grants from DC offices including the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development, experienced consultants and business owners give free one-on-one counseling on processes, sales and strategy. The Foundation also runs practical workshops, webinars and business-to-business networking events, a Small Business Host Center and Academy Program with the DC Small Business Development Center, and extends webinars and partner resources to businesses in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Other services include advocacy, an International Initiative that includes ExportDC, a job bank and a free business directory.
Who it is for
GWHCC serves Hispanic and other minority-owned businesses, plus companies and organizations that want to reach those communities in the DC region. One-on-one consulting through the Small Business Advancement Program is for small business owners or staff who are DC residents or operate in the District and can commit up to 25 hours if approved.
Membership and pricing
Annual dues for for-profit businesses start at $250 for individuals and companies with 1 to 5 employees, rising to $350 for 6 to 10 employees and $500 for 11 to 50 employees, with higher tiers for larger firms. Nonprofits and trade associations start at $250 for budgets up to $1.5 million. Benefits include listing in the member and public directories, discounted or waived fees for Chamber events, free seminars on starting and growing a business, government contracting and financing, discounted or free consulting with some restrictions, free job postings and advocacy on regional small business issues. The Chamber notes it does not make direct loans. Details are on the dues and pricing page.
How to engage
DC-based founders who want free consulting can apply through the Small Business Advancement Program page, with English and Spanish forms; approved applicants are invited to an orientation within a week. Workshops and signature events such as the Business Expo and Gala are listed on the events page, and more on the Foundation is on the Foundation page. Call 202-728-0352 with questions.
