PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow), part of a $50 million initiative to support small Hispanic businesses, has launched the third year of its Jefa-Owned (Owned by a Latina Chef) campaign, which recognizes the economic, cultural and societal contributions of Latina-owned businesses – particularly restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías (meat shops), according to a company press release.

“We launched Jefa-Owned in 2022 to shine a spotlight on Latino-owned small businesses while helping them overcome the unique challenges they face at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey,” said Esperanza Teasdale, VP and GM of PepsiCo Beverages North America’s Hispanic Business Unit, in the press release. “After three years of this effort, PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos has supported hundreds of Jefa-owned businesses through various programs and initiatives and remains committed to helping them succeed through financial, educational and community-building resources.”

PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Scholarship Program
PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos is awarding $200,000 in grants to 20 women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry to help them grow and expand their businesses. The grant application deadline is September 27.

Fellows also receive access to the Business Health Accelerator and Boost Camp, a digital community space that offers business coaching workshops on mentoring, networking and more. Additionally, fellows receive access to the PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos Hispanic Digital and Delivery Program, a five-week series that includes one-on-one consultations on delivery logistics, technology, marketing and search engine optimization – a package valued at approximately $12,000 per participant.

“Latino women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are also driving innovation, inclusion and dynamism in the economic landscape,” said Antonio Escalona, ​​​​SVP of Emerging Business at PepsiCo Foods North America.

“We are proud to partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the United States to help entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality and strengthen the Jefa community as a whole,” he said in the press release.

With Latin American women entrepreneurs starting businesses six times higher than other country members, the Jefa-Owned campaign is critical to supporting their growth and success, says Evelyn Barahona, Senior Vice President, Educational Fund, USHCC.

“We are proud to advance these efforts, which are consistent with our commitment to ensuring Jefas across the country have everything they need to succeed and continue to make important contributions to the American economy,” she said in the press release.