WVC to sponsor Chamber’s CONEXIÓN program for Hispanic-owned businesses

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College will serve as the 2026 sponsor of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce’s CONEXIÓN program, a monthly initiative focused on strengthening connections, expanding access to resources, and supporting the integration of Hispanic-owned businesses into the region’s broader business community.

CONEXIÓN was created in response to feedback from Hispanic business owners who said they wanted more opportunities to showcase their work, build authentic relationships, and better understand the tools and support available through the Chamber and its partners. The program rotates among host businesses and organizations, creating space for conversation and collaboration while highlighting local services and programs.

Chamber leaders said Wenatchee Valley College is a natural partner for the program because of its role in education, workforce development, and accessible learning across North Central Washington. They said the college’s focus on innovation and inclusion aligns closely with the long-term goals of CONEXIÓN and with the needs of small businesses at different stages of growth.

The partnership is intended to make it easier for business owners to connect with educational opportunities that support practical needs such as management, finance, and workforce training. Chamber staff pointed to a recent example in which a business owner was connected to funding support and accounting classes at Wenatchee Valley College after conversations revealed a need for help with financial management.

College President Faimous Harrison said strengthening the partnership between Wenatchee Valley College and the Chamber is an important step for the region and said CONEXIÓN fills a critical need for Hispanic-owned businesses. He said the program reflects the college’s values of community, opportunity, inclusion, learning, and student-centeredness, and helps connect local businesses to resources already available in the valley.

Chamber officials said they see the sponsorship as a way to expand the program’s reach and ensure more business owners are aware of educational and support services that can help them build more stable and sustainable operations.

More information about CONEXIÓN is available through the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.wenatchee.org/conexion/.

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