HERBIZ Application
About HERBIZ Program
Des Moines, IA – The Latina Leadership Initiative (LLI) is proud to announce the launch of HERBIZ, Helping Entrepreneurs Rise, Building Innovative Zeal, an entrepreneurship program designed to empower Latina entrepreneurs with essential skills, resources, mentorship opportunities, and connections. A distinct and new 40-hour workshop designed specifically to elevate Latina entrepreneurs to new heights of success.
Through HERBIZ, we not only equip entrepreneurs with essential skills but also sow the seeds for sustainable economic empowerment and social advancement, ensuring a thriving community for all while also walking away with a comprehensive business plan and a refined business pitch.
In this workshop, participants will engage in a 40-hour intensive curriculum alongside LLI current participants, agencies, and other ambitious women in the community who have recently started their business. Additionally, as we launched this program we are excited to announce that the HERBIZ participants have the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 grant toward their long-term business plan to foster positive economic change for the entire community, thanks to the City of Des Moines Ladder Up Equity grant.
The Origins of HERBIZ: The Visionaries and Their Why
HERBIZ builds on the success of EmpowerHER, LLI’s leadership program session that showcases the entrepreneurial journeys of women while connecting participants to valuable business resources. Due to overwhelming interest, LLI’s Board of Directors recognized the need for a dedicated initiative to support Latina entrepreneurs more comprehensively.
With a thoughtfully designed curriculum, HERBIZ was piloted under the leadership of LLI’s Programming Chair, Diana Echeverria, with oversight from Executive Director Kathy Guillen and the Board of Directors. To enhance its impact, the curriculum was further refined with insights from business development experts, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
By expanding its offerings to tackle key entrepreneurial challenges, LLI strengthens its commitment to fostering leadership and economic empowerment, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. HERBIZ is more than a program—it’s a movement designed to equip Latina entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.
To be eligible for HERBIZ, prospective participants must:
- Identify as a Latina woman, who has started a business within the last 1-3 years. Formal registration with the State of Iowa is not required. However, once registered, the business must be at least 50% owned by the applicant.
- Submit the 2025 HERBIZ Participant Application, cover letter, resume, current business plan (if applicable), business financials (if applicable), and 2 letters of recommendation by October 31st.
- Supporting financials must provide proof of business revenue and expenses at a minimum from the last six months.
- Available to attend all sessions in-person. Sessions are held once a month on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Des Moines, IA.
The participation fee is $500, this covers training, speakers, food, and materials. Financial aid and payment plans are available, don’t let cost be a barrier!
As a pilot program, HERBIZ offers a full $500 tuition refund for participants who meet the following criteria:
- 100% Attendance: Attend all sessions (excused absences require board approval).
- Homework Completion: Submit all assigned work on time.
- Program Evaluations: Turn in all required evaluations.
This is subject to change for the following year. If you have any questions, please reach out to director@latinaleadershipinitiative.org.
Yes! Once you receive your acceptance letter, you’ll get details on how to apply for financial aid before starting the HERBIZ program.
HERBIZ workshop sessions are held once a month, beginning March through September.
In 2025, all sessions are listed below and will be held in-person.
- Week 1 – March 15, 2025
- Week 2 – April 5, 2025
- Week 3 – May 10, 2025
- Week 4 – June 21, 2025
- Week 5 – July 12, 2025
- Week 6 – August 9, 2025
- Week 7 – September 6, 2025
- Week 8 – September 18, 2025
- Attend Latina Business Excellence Summit – To Be Determined
Yes, HERBIZ participants will receive expert guidance from several experienced Business Advisors throughout the program and have the ability to further connect with Business Advisors on an individual basis.
The deadline to submit your application is October 31st.
An Overview of the Curriculum
Overview
- Commitment to Leadership skills in Entrepreneurship
- Tailored for Women Entrepreneurs
- Focus on Business Tools and Resource
- Professional Mentorship & Networking
expert Guidance
- Experienced Business Advisors
- Business Networks and Resources
- Personalized Support
- Professional Speakers on business related subjects
- Business Plan Development
Introduction to the following topics
- Financial Management
- Marketing
- Building a Strong Brand Identity
- Market Research and Analysis
- Business Analysis and Sustainability
- Long-term Business Planning
- Defining entrepreneurship success
- Work-life balance strategies
- Pricing Strategies
- Networking
- Public Speaking
- Professional Relationship Building
- Feasibility and Business plan development
- Business Funding Resources
- Craft and deliver a compelling business pitch
Statistical Insights
By 2050, Latinos are projected to make up a significant portion of the U.S. population, making it increasingly important to foster equitable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Latinas. Our program is grounded in data that reveals how limited access to professional networks can lead to disparities in funding and partnership opportunities. Addressing these gaps is essential to advancing inclusive economic growth and ensuring all communities have a fair chance to succeed.
Sources:
2020 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report, Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
Kauffman Foundation 2020
National Bureau of Economic Research 2019