Week 9/10/25 Newsletter - Celebrating Vision, Voice, and Valor with the Miguel de Cervantes Awards Presented at the SFLHCC Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo / Lunch Conference
- Sep 9
- 6 min read
Celebrating Vision, Voice, and Valor with the Miguel de Cervantes Awards Presented at the SFLHCC Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo / Lunch Conference
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) proudly hosts the Miguel de Cervantes Awards presentation at its 21st annual Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Month Inaugural Lunch on September 19, 2025.
Inspired by the enduring legacy of literary innovator Miguel de Cervantes, whose masterpiece Don Quixote set a standard for creativity and cultural impact, the awards honor modern trailblazers within the Hispanic community. These individuals, much like Cervantes himself, embody vision, voice, and valor, driving continued progress, instilling cultural pride, and shaping a brighter future for Hispanic communities in Miami and beyond.
The Miguel de Cervantes Awards honorees are pillars of influence, having significantly touched the lives of others through their work, leadership, or service. Each honoree reflects Cervantes’ pioneering spirit by positively impacting their community and inspiring a sense of shared heritage and aspiration.
The special celebration will bring together business leaders, community advocates, and cultural luminaries at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting those who fuel positive change and unite the Miami community in collective pride.
Honoring the Memory and Resilience of 9/11
Tomorrow, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joins communities across the country in honoring the memory of those we lost on September 11, 2001. This solemn anniversary allows us to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to the thousands of innocent lives taken by an unthinkable act of terror, among them first responders whose courage and selflessness inspired our nation and the world.
The events of 9/11 touched every American, including so many in our diverse South Florida community. As we remember the victims, we also celebrate the unity and resilience that emerged in the wake of tragedy. Closer than ever, we came together to support one another and rebuild stronger than before, regardless of background or origin.
On 9/11, we recommit ourselves to the values of compassion, service, and hope. We honor the sacrifices made by so many and extend our deepest sympathies to the families forever changed by loss. Let us continue working towards a brighter, safer future, and never forget the strength that comes from standing together.
With respect and remembrance,
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC)
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez Joins the FACE Oral History Community Tour at The Cuban Museum
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez was honored to participate in an inspiring event celebrating Cuban-American culture and history. Joining the Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE) Oral History Community Tour at The Cuban Museum, Lily was recognized as a featured participant in this critical oral history project. The FACE Oral History Project is dedicated to highlighting Cuban exiles' voices, stories, and legacies, preserving their experiences for future generations. Surrounded by community members, cultural leaders, and fellow honorees, Lily celebrated the Cuban-American community's vibrant heritage and enduring contributions. The SFLHCC congratulates Lily on her dedication to representing our community and extending the Chamber's connection, leadership, and advocacy mission. Click Here for More Information About FACE
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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers, which make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital for small businesses engaged in manufacturing (NAICS 31-33), specifically designed to provide maximum flexibility and minimal red tape.
“With 98% of American manufacturers classified as small businesses, the new MARC Loans represent a powerful source of targeted capital for those who are growing our nation’s production,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.“The SBA is working alongside President Trump to rebuild our industrial dominance by empowering small businesses to bring back Made in America. For decades, our manufacturers and workers were crushed by bad trade deals that outsourced American jobs, supply chains, and strength. Thanks to the America First Agenda, we’re building again – and this working capital program will empower manufacturers to create jobs, supercharge growth, and reshore American industrial might.”
The MARC Program expands SBA’s portfolio of loan programs by adding a new source of liquidity for small manufacturers, while offering lenders maximum flexibility to structure working capital loans. This provides more options to meet businesses’ unique working capital needs:
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The MARC Program complements the SBA’s core 7(a) and 504 loan programs, providing a flexible new line of credit to manufacturers and lenders. MARC Loans can be used in combination with SBA and conventional commercial loans, making it a potent new tool in support of the Administration’s effort to reshore American industrial dominance.
Under the leadership of Administrator Loeffler, the SBA previously announced its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative to empower small manufacturers with the tools to lead the nation’s industrial comeback. As part of this Initiative, the agency has committed to cutting $100 billion in red tape, promoting workforce development, and doubling the 7(a) and 504 loan limit for manufacturing. More recently, SBA also launched its Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, a free tool designed to connect small businesses with a database of more than 1 million domestic suppliers and producers.
Complete details on the new MARC Loan Program will be posted at www.sba.gov. Training for SBA Lenders can be found on SBA’s lender Training on Demand web |
Ronald McDonald House of Charities South Florida has a new Home
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The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) was happy to support the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) South Florida home at the Jackson Memorial Medical Campus.
This exciting event marks a significant milestone for RMHC South Florida, whose new facility will provide comfort, care, and support to families with critically ill children receiving treatment in our community.
SFLHCC is honored to stand alongside RMHC South Florida in its mission of providing a home away from home for families in need. Supporting RMHC aligns with our values of strengthening our community and enhancing the well-being of those facing life's toughest challenges. We look forward to this new facility's positive impact for years to come.
Register for Our Upcoming Events!
Quick Read
SFLHCC's Hispanic Women's Society Network's 8th Annual WEEW Awards Featured
in El Vocero News December 2021
Event Highlight
Coffee with Lily Hosted by Easterseals South Florida Event Recap
Watch Now!
CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Goodwill South Florida Presents Rythm &Threads:
A celebration of People and Purpose
WOW Experience 2025
This WOW Experience invites you to celebrate not only our amazing individuals, but also YOU — the champions who bring love, joy, life, and color into every inch of our campus.
This unforgettable night brings together our community to raise vital funds that empower over 200 adults with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful, independent lives. It’s not just an event — it’s a celebration of purpose, progress, and the incredible spirit of our WOW individuals.
This free session, led by Babson Professor John Hallal, will explore how professionals can become entrepreneurs by acquiring existing businesses. With many Baby Boomer-led companies entering a transition phase, this topic is incredibly timely and full of opportunity. October 22. The registration page is not out yet.
Remember to Maximize Your Benefits
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community.
 Nercy Radcliffe President & CEO Providence Healthcare |
Schedule your Appointment for the New Year Now!
Thursdays with Lily
Chamber Member Announcements
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A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
"A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Marco Rubio, US Senator (FL) | A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL) |
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
