Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, USA, Inc. Selected as New Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center Host to Help Start-Ups in Ohio’s Cincinnati Region

For Immediate Release
July 21, 2026  
       
Media contact:  
Pamela Rincones
Executive Director, Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA 
princones@hccusa.us | 513.979.6999 

Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, USA, Inc. Selected as New Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center Host to Help Start-Ups in Ohio’s Cincinnati Region

(Cincinnati, Ohio) — Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, USA, Inc. (HCCUSA) announced today that it was selected as one of the four new Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Center regional hosts (MBACs) to assist entrepreneurs and emerging businesses by the Ohio Department of Development after completing its search for partners across the state. 

Through the MBAC program, the Ohio Department of Development partners with local organizations to provide hands-on support to entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of starting and building a business.  The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, USA is a community-based economic development organization serving the 17 counties of Southeast Ohio. The mission of HCCUSA is to grow the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening economic sectors.

“The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA, Inc., has been supporting the Cincinnati region and nearby counties for nearly 30 years.  Our team is connected and has built countless partnerships over the decades.  HCCUSA is uniquely positioned to bring early-stage business owners the support, tools, and resources they need to succeed.  We’re eager to open our doors and bring the MBAC services to the Cincinnati region to make business owners’ ideas become winning reality for them, the region, and the larger economic future,” said Pamela Rincones, executive director of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, USA, Inc.

Tier 1 MBACs focus on helping early-stage businesses to establish strong foundations, deliver no-cost, one-on-one advising and training to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-friendly, and socially and economically under-resourced businesses. These services are designed to help entrepreneurs successfully launch, create jobs, and generate revenue in their communities. 

"Starting a business can be one of the biggest decisions someone makes, but Ohio’s entrepreneurs shouldn't have to do it alone," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "These new Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Centers will connect aspiring business owners with trusted advisors, practical resources, and the guidance they need to turn their big ideas into a successful business."

Since 2019, MBACs across the state served more than 13,000 clients and provided thousands of counseling hours to Ohio’s minority, women, veteran, and other disadvantaged business owners. 
In FY24-25, MBAC clients received a total capital infusion of $82 million.

List of newly selected Tier 1 MBAC Program partners for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 Appalachian Region – Appalachian Center for Economic Networks - ACEnet Cincinnati Region – Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA, Inc. (HCCUSA) Columbus Region – Elevate Northland Dayton Region – The Economic and Community Development Institute ECDI

Two new positions will be added to bring this program to life: a full-time Lead Business Advisor and a part-time Support Business Advisor.  Visit the HCCUSA https://hccusa.us/  for more information and to apply today.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about their work at development.ohio.gov. 

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About Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA
The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA fosters growth in the Greater Cincinnati region by connecting individuals and businesses to create sustainable opportunities and address key community needs involving Hispanics/Latinos. Through events, programs, and services, the Chamber promotes leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness, while highlighting the contributions of the Hispanic/Latino community. In collaboration with strategic partners and the HCCUSA Foundation, the Chamber also advances educational, cultural, and economic development initiatives across the region.