El Centro Inc

VITA Latinx is the only Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Service (VITA) Site within 90 miles of the Greater New Orleans area offering all services in Spanish. In 2024, El Centro trained 19 volunteers at Delgado Community College and hosted multiple Super Sábado tax day events throughout the tax season. In 2024, El Centro prepared and electronically filed 325 2023 tax returns, bringing $291,213 worth of federal tax refunds directly to the eligible, low-to-moderate community members. El Centro tax services are available year round, with staff assisting with tax issues, responding to IRS communications, managing tax debt and payments, and other services as needed.

Impúlsate is a 7-week business accelerator program for established businesses operating informally. Participants could choose from a construction and janitorial services track or a general business track. Attendees learned how to formalize their business legally, attract customers, create a digital presence, provide bids or estimates, comply with legal and insurance requirements, manage their cash flow, and hire or contract workers. They also learned the basics and benefits of obtaining government-validated certifications. This year, 37 participants graduated from the program across multiple cohorts, with graduation ceremonies held in July and October to recognize participants who completed the full curriculum and took concrete steps toward formalizing their businesses. The program successfully guided entrepreneurs through the process of transitioning from informal to formal business operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to grow sustainably and access new market opportunities.

Other programming includes Camino Financiero (Financial Road Map), an 8-week cohort-style program that educates clients in understanding credit, credit reports, and debt management and repayment strategies. It also provides basics for personal budgeting and building savings. The program pairs attendees with 2 or more personalized financial coaching appointments. In 2024, 44 participants graduated from Camino Financiero. Staff conducted comprehensive financial coaching that included reviewing credit reports and creating household budgets for graduates.

Las Musas is a monthly workshop designed to empower and support women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. The objective is to build a network of entrepreneurial women who support one another. This program provides information and access to resources from partner organizations, encourages women to pursue their dreams, and educates them on current trends affecting businesses. In 2024, there were 311 participants across workshops that covered topics including vision boarding, budgeting, self-care, homeownership panels, professional development, and networking events celebrating International Women in Business Month and Hispanic Heritage Month.