Latino Business Expo returns for a third year in Elkhart

ELKHART, ind. -- The Latino Business Expo is returning to Elkhart for its third year, bringing together entrepreneurs and community members for a day of networking and learning.

The expo began during the pandemic, sparked by a need for translation and interpreting services, and has since grown into a significant event for the Elkhart business community.

The expo was started by Yolo Vox four years ago, during the height of the pandemic, when many in the community needed translation services and help with interpreting. Owner Yolo López DeMarco saw an opportunity to not only meet this need but also to create a platform for Latino business owners to thrive.

"The Latino community in the US is one of the fastest growing populations and coming from a family that has owned a business for more than 25 years, and I have family, uncles, cousins and aunts that are business owners. I said I want to be able to help my family. Then from there, it just stemmed from the broader community. I saw a need to help the Latino businesses connect to the broader American community, so they can expand their services and not just stay in the niche of the Hispanic community," López DeMarco said. 

This year’s event kicks off with the business owners' luncheon, an exclusive gathering for business owners of all backgrounds, not just Latinos. The luncheon is designed to offer encouragement and provide a space for networking within the broader American community.

Then, from 4 to 8 p.m., the doors will open to the public at the Northern Indiana Events Center. The expo is free to attend and will feature food trucks, free prizes and raffles, making it a fun and engaging event for everyone.

"We want the general public to come on out and to know the faces behind these hardworking businesses owners. Some of your favorite restaurants where people go out to eat, the owner might be here. We just welcome everyone to come on out," López DeMarco said.