When Lucia learned how to bake delicious, homemade bread, everything changed. She began dreaming of opening her own bakery.

She moved to Oregon from Mexico in hopes of finding new opportunities and began researching how to start a business. But Lucia quickly realized how complicated the process was, especially with a language barrier.

So Lucia reached out to the Empresas Small Business team at Adelante Mujeres. She enrolled in our small business development course and began receiving 1-on-1 business coaching.

The Empresas team helped Lucia find a storefront, secure permits, and get the business up and running. Even before she graduated from the course, ambitious Lucia had opened ‘La Panadera’ — her very own bakery.

Not long after her business opened, COVID-19 arrived in Oregon. Lucia’s bakery, like most businesses, took a hard hit.

Our Empresas team knew this would become a top priority — we had to support our Empresas graduates and help them get through the economic hardships that COVID was presenting. It wouldn’t be an easy task. But thanks to supporters like you, our Empresas team has been working harder than ever.

When business started to dwindle for Lucia as Oregon went into its Covid lock down, our Empresas team got to work. They were able to secure two grants for Lucia’s business, which helped get her through the most challenging period.

Lucia’s bakery has since bounced back, and, in fact, is blossoming. She recently renovated the bakery and is hiring a cashier and another baker.

Lucia’s contagious smile says it all — she's living her dream. We believe every women deserves that. When you support Adelante Mujeres, you are supporting women like Lucia. We can come together now to ensure Latinx-owned small businesses survive this pandemic, and maybe even come out of it stronger than before. ¡Adelante!

Step inside Lucia’s bakery: (filmed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic)