Ross Griego, the founder of Arranque Empresarial and Empezando, first developed the idea for Empezando in 1999 while living in California and working as a business consultant. On Thanksgiving, his youngest daughter noticed that many people were still working, even though it was a holiday. Many of these workers were Mexican immigrants, documented and undocumented, working overtime because they needed the money. The more Ross thought about these workers, the more he realized that immigrants in the US do not have many opportunities to build their own businesses. Ross created Empezando in 2001 to encourage immigrants both to create their own businesses and to legitimize already established enterprises. When Ross moved to New Mexico in 2013, he wanted to continue teaching Empezando, but he also wanted to make sure that his graduated students and other business owners could stay connected. Ross created Arranque Empresarial for this purpose: to bring professionals to advise and collaborate on businesses and foster the leadership of the owners. Ross taught Empezando in Albuquerque in September 2014 and again in February 2015 after a positive response and request from the Chamber of Commerce. Also in 2015, he brought his class to Española, NM where he also intiated Arranque Empresarial.

Arranque Empresarial consists of structured monthly meetings. The meetings start with a “Welcome.” Then, the meeting invites Jovenes de Inspiracion, who are local youth starting their own business ventures or positively contributing to their communities, to introduce their work. After, newcomers to Arranque Empresarial give a 60 second “elevator speech” on their business and what their goals are. Next, the Business Profile section where the owners and professionals invited contribute to improving the businesses. Finally, the Training and Leadership sections allows everyone at the meeting to choose discussion topics about business practical skills and leadership.

Empezando and Arranque Empresarial empowers participants and their families because of the opportunities the programs provide to bridge out of poverty. Ross says, “when people come to this country they do not know the laws and customs, but they try to make a living.” Often, he explains, many immigrants run or work for underground businesses where they are underpaid, underprivileged, and vulnerable. Before taking the class, Ross’s students typically make $10,000 – 17,000 a year to sustain themselves and a family. After Empezando and 2 years of registering their businesses, many of his students are making $40,000 – 60,000 a year, doubling or even tripling their net worth. He is proud of the services he provides because they are making true differences in the lives of the people he comes into contact with. He hopes to bring Empezando and Arranque Empresarial to more communities so more immigrant business owners can succeed.

When it comes to funding Empezado and Arranque Empresarial, Ross tries to negotiate contracts with local entities, like banks and community development centers. Ross has also attended city council meetings to request modest funds between $1,000 – $10,000 to run his programs. Currently, he receives funding from the New Mexico State Economic Development Department, Valley Entrepreneurial Network, the Greater Española Valley Community Development Corporation, and Los Alamos National Laboratory Connect. When Ross does not receive funding, he will continue to teach and coach pro bono.