Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Across America
Nine lessons from the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3) Initiative.
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Tocayo: Building Business Through Cultural Connection with Daphne Labault, Plena Mercancía
Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Daphne Labault, owner of Plena Mercancía in Chicago, Illinois.
In this episode, Daphne, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey opening a coffee shop that also serves as a cultural hub in Chicago. Daphne discusses the challenges she faced after Hurricane Maria, her passion for supporting Puerto Rican artisans, and the importance of community in her business model.
She highlights the invaluable support of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (The PRCC), the realities of store ownership, and her vision of creating a supportive network for fellow entrepreneurs and artisans. Throughout the conversation, Daphne emphasizes the significance of creating meaningful connections with her customers and the role of her store in reconnecting the Puerto Rican diaspora with their culture.
Daphne received small business development support to open her storefront through The Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Mercado del Pueblo on North Avenue in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The PRCC received construction and operating support for the site and its programs through The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program in partnership with Main Street America.
Connect:
- Follow Plena Mercancía on Instagram
- Check out the Puerto Rican Cultural Center
- Learn more about The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program
Episode Links:
Join us for the next episode for more insights into the evolving landscape of Main Street business.
About the Main Street Business Insights Podcast
Each week, join host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., as he travels the country and takes a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The stories that far too often go unheard. Learn about the innovative ways that these Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track. Main Street Business Insights is powered by Main Street America.
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