Long Prairie Enterprise Academy Class Graduates 10
The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of 10 entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the Long Prairie area.
These entrepreneurs recently completed the Enterprise Academy course—an Initiative Foundation business-building program that features training matched with free, ongoing business coaching plus access to flexible loans. Delivery of the program was supported by the Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce.
“These 10 entrepreneurs put in a lot of hard work during the classes to learn how to create a business plan, manage their finances, promote their businesses and more,” said Zach Tabatt, vice president for economic opportunity at the Initiative Foundation. “We’re excited to keep supporting them as they grow their businesses and work toward success.”
Since the program’s founding, nearly 300 people have graduated, and many have gone on to launch successful businesses.
The following Long Prairie-area students completed the program:
Eutiquio Angeles Valencia: Eutiquio joined Enterprise Academy to deepen his understanding of how to run his construction business. During the course, he developed a business plan to position himself for potential financing. A resident of Clarissa, Eutiquio enjoys cooking and spending time with his family.
Mariana Acosta: Mariana owns Delicias la Sinaloa, where she makes pastries from her home. With the knowledge gained through Enterprise Academy, she aspires to open a storefront. Mariana works at Long Prairie Packing and has lived in Long Prairie for 23 years. She is married, has four children, and enjoys sightseeing.
Frailin Bernard Hernandez: Frailin joined Enterprise Academy to strengthen and grow his food truck business with the goal of becoming the top food truck in the region. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Frailin works at Walmart. He is married, has three children, and enjoys outdoor cooking and playing baseball.
Rafael De La Cruz: Rafael is the owner of The Red Lounge in Long Prairie, where he has been serving the community for about five years. His business goal is to continually improve his service each day. Originally from Puerto Rico, Rafael moved to Long Prairie nearly a decade ago. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Esmeralda Estrada: Esmeralda is working to open a laundry business that is convenient and welcoming. Originally from Mexico, she has lived in Long Prairie for about 25 years. Esmeralda currently works as a nurse and is married with four children. In her free time, she enjoys walking and cooking.
Alanys Fontanez: Alanys plans to launch Arielle Laser Spa, specializing in laser hair removal services. She has valued the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of starting a business through the Enterprise Academy. Originally from Puerto Rico, Alanys is married and has one daughter. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music.
Eric Fontanez: Eric recently established Fontanez Transport, LLC, and is preparing to launch operations. Motivated by a desire for financial freedom, he was inspired in part by his many family members who drive truck in Puerto Rico. Eric currently works as a truck driver and forklift operator. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles.
Alicia Lopez: Alicia owns a business specializing in Latino products. She joined Enterprise Academy to deepen her business knowledge and to develop a plan to launch an apartment business. Originally from Mexico, Alicia is married and has two children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Maria Melenciano: Maria operates All in Common, a thrift store where she hopes everyone can find something they need. She joined Enterprise Academy to improve her business skills and make her shop a success. Her dream is to grow the store into a go-to spot for the Long Prairie community. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Maria loves singing, going for walks, and traveling.
Maria Suero De La Cruz: Maria operates Tia Nathaly Daycare, where she works to create a safe, nurturing space for kids to grow. She enrolled in Enterprise Academy to build her skills and confidence as a business owner. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she’s a proud mom of two who loves to travel and explore new cultures.