Case Study

Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB)
Advancing Small Business Communities™

Schedule a Call

Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB)
Advancing Small Business Communities™

Christine G. Rodriguez is in her element whether in a corporate, nonprofit, or small- and medium-sized business environment. Her skills and experience in these diverse business environments are a unique mix of talent that greatly benefits her clients.

Introduction

A wide gap in professional development and economic growth has long been an issue for diverse, minority, and woman-owned small businesses located in the Southern California/Greater Inland Empire Region. One might even label it a form of economic discrimination. These small businesses are among the best and brightest in the nation and are only looking for a level economic playing field to pursue business opportunities.


Objective

The objective of this case study is to outline the strategies developed and actions taken to help overcome the challenges faced by these small businesses, and to help prepare them to pursue business opportunities that will help fill the economic gap.


To accomplish these goals, a group of like-minded entrepreneurs and community advocates formed the Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB). Following is the HCSB Case Study — written by Christine G. Rodriguez, owner and principal of CGR Strategic Communications, LLC https://www.christinegrodriguez.com/. The case study topics listed below outlines how this group of community advocates and partners, led by HCSB Chairman Frank Montes, have made a difference in the Inland Empire, throughout the State of California, and the nation. We invite you to click on the “read more” links below to learn more about the HCSB goals and accomplishments.


HCSB Goals

  1. 1. Form non-profit organizational structures – 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6)
  2. HCSB Vision (read more: https://www.hcsb-us.org/about-us)
  3. HCSB Mission (read more: https://www.hcsb-us.org/our-mission)
  4. HCSB Board of Directors (read more: https://www.hcsb-us.org/board-of-directors)
  5. HCSB Advisory Board (read more: https://www.hcsb-us.org/advisory-board)
  6. HCSB Committees (8) (read more: https://www.hcsb-us.org/sponsorship-and-membership-committee)
  7. Establish & position HCSB brand as a strong and resilient advocate dedicated to “Advancing Small Business Communities” and the “go-to” organization in the Inland Empire region and the State of California for diverse small business owners to find a “collective voice” and resources for their businesses.
  8. Create & Implement Strategic Priorities Plan & Strategic Philanthropy
  9. Develop & Implement Professional Development, Education, Networking and Awards Programs for Small Business Communities


Background – CGR Strategic Communications, LLC

Christine G. Rodriguez brought her decades of experience gained from working in various levels of positions in Corporate America, including rising from a clerk‒typist to the first Latina Vice President at Rockwell International corporate headquarters. Christine used her expertise in the private, public, and nonprofit, sectors to help form and launch the Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses. HCSB is a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization based in the Inland Empire. HCSB was formed in 2022 to help Advance Small Business Communities throughout the Greater Inland Empire region and the State of California … because when a small business succeeds and grows, so do their families, their employees, and the communities in which they live and work. https://www.hcsb-us.org/


Summary

HCSB, its Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Affiliate Member organizations, and community partners continue to build capacity and support for its diverse small businesses in Southern California and throughout the state. HCSB truly is making a difference for its small businesses AND the communities in which its owners, employees, and families live and work! Follow the HCSB social media and website for updates www.hcsb-us.org.


HCSB Desired Outcomes & Accomplishments

HCSB Brand (See logos below)


Christine worked with and directed minority-owned small businesses (graphic artists, website designers, etc.), to develop a strong visual brand and Corporate Identity for HCSB, including creating the following:



  1. HCSB Vision Statement — To be the leading resource, advocate, and voice of Hispanic and diverse-owned small businesses, representing their interests in the Inland Empire region and throughout the State of California to ensure the success of our communities.
  2. HCSB Mission Statement — To champion and empower coalitions among Hispanic and diverse small businesses, government, and local communities in the Inland Empire region, and throughout the State of California, by providing resources and opportunities to ensure their success.
  3. HCSB Tagline — Advancing Small Business Communities
  4. HCSB Logos – directed graphic artist to create HCSB logos for 501(c)6 and 501(c)3
  5. HCSB – selected Corporate Colors & Font
  6. Eight (8) HCSB Standing Committees & their respective Mission Statements (follow drop‒down menu for each committee mission) https://www.hcsb-us.org/sponsorship-and-membership-committee
  7. HCSB Website (write content and provide direction to website designer) ‒ https://www.hcsb-us.org/
  8. Sponsorship Packages – Fundraising sponsor request and grant application packages that have resulted in financial resources for HCSB ‒ https://www.hcsb-us.org/our-sponsors
  9. Community Partnerships – Assist HCSB Chairman form critical community partnerships with sponsors, donors, academia, and other community partners


Strategic Planning/Strategic Philanthropy

In the first year of its existence, Christine led the HCSB Founding Chairman and its Board of Directors in their Strategic Planning & Communications processes to accomplish the following:


  1. Created a solid organizational infrastructure for HCSB, including:
  2. Changed the name from Greater Inland Empire Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GIERHCC) to the Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) and branding it
  3. Established HCSB Office Locations:
  4. HCSB Main Office: 4255 Main Street, Ste. 25, Riverside, CA 92501│Tel: 951.426.4272 │e-mail: info@hcsb-us.org │Website: www.hcsb-us.org
  5. HCSB Satellite Office: 255 N. D Street, Ste. #200-VI, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  6. Developed Strategic Priorities & S.M.A.R.T. Goals for HCSB and each of its 8 Committees i. Follow drop‒down menu for each committee mission https://www.hcsb-us.org/sponsorship-and-membership-committee
  7. Developed HCSB Strategic Key Messages& communicated to target audiences
  8. Set the strategic stage to recruit and collaborate with HCSB Affiliate Member organizations (currently 16, representing 4,000+ diverse small businesses https://www.hcsb-us.org/affiliate-members
  9. Structured the HCSB nonprofit organizations:
  10. HCSB Foundation 501(c)(3) EIN: 88-384134
  11. HCSB 501(c)(6) EIN: 88-2803120



Professional Development, Education, Networking & Awards Programs

A series of events were strategically created and implemented, including:


  1. Annual Awards Event
  2. Latinícima™ – Rumbo a La Cima (read the meaning behind the coined word and phrase: https://www.hcsb-us.org/latinicima)
  3. Quarterly Summits
  4. Spheres of Sustainability™ https://www.hcsb-us.org/spheres-of-sustainability
  5. Su Casa Nueva https://www.hcsb-us.org/su-casa-nueva
  6. Unity in Diversity https://www.hcsb-us.org/su-casa-nueva880825d7
  7. Procurement On-Line Webinars https://www.hcsb-us.org/procurement-online-webinars
  8. Community Engagement Events https://www.hcsb-us.org/community-engagements
Share by: