Newsroom Index | Media Relations | University Advancement | CSUDH Home

Aug. 7, 2002
DH 02 TK050
Contact: Thomas Knox
(310) 243-3367
Monica Saenz
(213) 896-3249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California State University, Dominguez Hills Hosts "BizFest"
To Advance Entrepreneurships for Young Latinos

Carson, CA - California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USHCC) are hosting a special "BizFest" designed to help Latino youth from the Los Angeles area learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. The "BizFest" will be held through Aug.10 in the University's Extended Education Division.

Participating students are from Montebello, San Pedro, Long Beach, South Gate, Inglewood, Santa Ana, Compton, Riverside, and North Hollywood. The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and AT&T are sponsoring this "BizFest."

The "BizFest" is a part of the USHCC Foundation's Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative created to provide Latino youth with opportunities that will encourage entrepreneurship as a career alternative. The USHCC Foundation's "BizFest" also aims to close the digital divide, increase economic awareness, encourage alternative learning methods and positively impact Latino youth's self-image.

At the "BizFest" Latino high school and college students (ages 18-25) will participate in a series of sessions that will provide them with the opportunity to learn how to start a business by turning hobbies into profitable ventures. Students will also hear from young, successful entrepreneurs including Rodri J. Rodriguez, Founder of the Mariachi USA Foundation and CEO of Irdor, Inc., and Kavya Reddy, owner of 2by2.net, an Internet company. Actor Adam Rodriguez, cast member of the upcoming television show "CSI Miami" and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Speaker of the California State Assembly, will also speak at the "BizFest." At the end of the "BizFest" the students will present their business plans before an independent panel of judges to compete for awards and cash prizes.

Other "BizFests" will be held throughout the country. The winners from the local and regional "BizFests" are then eligible to participate at the Foundation's National "BizFest" Competition at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 23rd Annual National Convention and Business Expo which will be held in Los Angeles, Oct. 16-19, 2002.

California State University, Dominguez Hills takes pride in offering a 'World of Opportunity' to everyone who desires a quality higher education. Visit the university website at www.csudh.edu for complete information on campus curriculum and activities.

# # #