Regional program helps Latino business owners build digital skills

WENATCHEE — Twenty-eight entrepreneurs representing 19 small businesses graduated March 26 from a regional accelerator program aimed at helping Latino business owners build the digital tools needed to compete in a changing economy.

The iLumina Digital Skills Accelerator, a nine-week program led by NCW Tech Alliance, focused on practical skills many small businesses now rely on to reach customers and manage day-to-day operations. Participants completed 18 classes covering topics such as email setup, online communication, cybersecurity basics, payment systems, website development, and artificial intelligence.

By the end of the program, each participant had built a functioning website and gained hands-on experience with tools designed to improve visibility, streamline operations, and support growth.

The program is part of Microsoft TechSpark’s Project iLumina initiative and was funded locally through a grant from the Alcoa Foundation. Organizers said removing cost barriers was key to participation. The accelerator was offered at no charge, and each participant received a computer and one year of website hosting.

For many in the cohort, the training filled a gap that often separates small, locally owned businesses from larger competitors.

“This experience represents for me a strong commitment from the Latino business community,” said Juan Servin, technology instructor with NCW Tech Alliance. “They are up for challenges, improvement, and opportunities. I am very proud and happy about every one of them.”

Participants came from communities across Malaga, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and Quincy, reflecting the growing presence of Latino-owned businesses in the region’s economy.

“Technology is catching up with us, and we have to keep learning if we want to keep moving forward,” said Carlos Barragan, owner of C&P Portable & Septic Services LLC. “These classes will help us move our projects forward and keep all our businesses up to date with new technology.”

Organizers said the program is designed not only to teach tools, but to build confidence in using them.

“One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was witnessing their enthusiasm, courage, and genuine desire to grow, even while facing barriers such as language or limited technological experience,” said Rosie Martin, project lead for NCW Tech Alliance.

The work, she said, points to a broader shift in how economic development takes shape in North Central Washington, with growth driven not only by large employers or outside investment, but by small business owners building capacity within their own communities.

The next step in that effort will come May 19, when Latino Founder Day returns to Pybus Public Market as part of the Flywheel Investment Conference. The event, held in Spanish, will connect entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and business resources.

Organizers say a second iLumina cohort is planned for January 2027 as the program continues to expand.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media