Funding Forum for Latino Businesses

Latinos are starting businesses in ever greater numbers, but for cultural reasons many are reluctant to borrow money to feed their cash-starved enterprises, experts say.

A financial forum co-sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County and the Small Business Administration aims to change that.

At the 3rd Annual Business Finance Forum on Wednesday, 50 traditional and nontraditional lenders will be on hand to answer questions on how small businesses are funded. In addition, entrepreneurs can attend seminars in both English and Spanish on such subjects as networking and writing business plans.

“In the Latino community, business is done in cash,” said accountant Henry Mendoza, a Hispanic chamber vice president. “We’re trying to let people know about . . . financing available to them in the United States. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

The event runs from 12:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the WestCoast Anaheim Hotel, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd. Tickets are $10 if purchased beforehand and $15 at the door. Information: (714) 953-4289.