Please note that Legislative Summit event badges are required for entry into all sessions.
*Disclaimer: Please note that session topics are subject to change based on evolving policy priorities, speaker availability, or other relevant factors. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) reserves the right to modify session content to ensure discussions remain timely and aligned with current issues.
Day 01
We look forward to welcoming you to the Legislative Summit! Be sure to stop by the registration desk to check in, receive your event credentials, and ensure you're all set for the event.
*Please note that a separate registration is required for this event.
Latino entrepreneurs are among the most dynamic engines of business growth in the United States. Between 2017 and 2022, Latino-owned employer firms—businesses with at least one paid employee—expanded in nearly 90% of U.S. metro areas. In 2022, more than 465,000 Latino-owned employer businesses supported 3.5 million jobs and generated over $653 billion in revenue, while in 2023 the total economic output of Latinos in the United States reached a record $4.1 trillion, making their contributions to wages, job creation, and regional growth indispensable to the national economy.
Yet today’s business environment is marked by heightened federal policy volatility, including immigration enforcement, tariff uncertainty, and the pullback of public contracting and small business support programs. Because Latino-owned firms are concentrated in labor-intensive, place-based sectors, their experiences offer important insight into how broader economic and policy changes are unfolding across local economies and what it will take to sustain their momentum moving forward.
Join the Center for Community Uplift at Brookings and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an event examining where—and why—Latino-owned businesses matter. The discussion will aim to synthesize lessons and best practices during an uncertain federal policy environment, state-level variation, financing and capital access constraints, procurement dynamics, and shifts in institutional capacity. Together, these insights will inform a forward-looking framework for small business policy—one that prioritizes resilience, predictability, and competitiveness.
- To register/attend in person: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6284a29e/-reRbaa4yUyNKmNVGOAwdA?u=https://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-attend-latino-entrepreneurs
- To register to view the online livestream: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/da163dcf/HFJ8MxtMNkCAMW5JPXngBg?u=https://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-watch-latino-entrepreneurs
Day 02
We look forward to welcoming you to the Legislative Summit! Be sure to stop by the registration desk to check in, receive your event credentials, and ensure you're all set for the event.
Join us for a Chamber Presidents Roundtable bringing together Hispanic Chamber of Commerce leaders from across the country for a direct conversation with Washington, D.C.-based lobbyists and policy experts. This session is designed to give local chamber leaders practical insight into navigating the policy landscape and building effective relationships in Washington. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with policy professionals, ask questions, and walk away with a clearer understanding of federal engagement strategies and how to elevate their chamber’s voice on key issues impacting Hispanic-owned businesses.
Small businesses have more financing options than ever, but understanding which tools to use, and when, is key to sustainable growth. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) specialize in flexible, accessible capital for businesses navigating early-stage challenges, uneven cash flow, or limited collateral. In this interactive roundtable, hear directly from CDFI leaders as they break down their products, eligibility, and real-world use cases. Learn how CDFIs complement traditional banking by offering more flexible underwriting, faster access to working capital, and technical assistance that supports long-term growth. Whether you’re a business owner refining your capital strategy or a chamber looking to expand resources for your members, you’ll leave with practical insights, stronger referral pathways, and new ways to connect to the right funding at the right time.
This afternoon session brings together keynote remarks and panel discussions focused on the policies and partnerships shaping the future of North American business. The program will open with a keynote on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), highlighting the critical role of trilateral cooperation in strengthening economic competitiveness, advancing innovation, and building resilient supply chains across the region.
Attendees will then hear from policy leaders and industry experts on the evolving legislative landscape impacting financial services and small businesses. Discussions will explore key issues including access to capital, regulatory compliance, digital innovation, taxation, and workforce development, while examining how emerging policies influence entrepreneurs and financial institutions alike.
The session will conclude with insights on the broader impact of federal legislation on the small business community, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policymaking and the role of national chambers in advocating for sustainable economic growth and expanded opportunity.
Opening remarks and a State of the Chamber address by Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO of the USHCC & EdFund, will set the tone for the afternoon’s conversations.
This panel discussion will explore the wide-ranging impacts of federal legislation on America’s small business community. The discussion will highlight how policy decisions related to access to capital, taxation, workforce development, regulatory compliance, and innovation directly influence the growth and sustainability of diverse entrepreneurs. The featured leaders will share insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the business community, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policymaking that fosters economic competitiveness, expands market participation, and strengthens pathways for business formation and expansion. This discussion will also underscore the collective role of national chambers in advocating for legislative solutions that promote economic growth and long-term prosperity for small businesses across the United States.
A panel discussion on financial services policy will examine the current and most relevant key legislative developments shaping the future of America’s financial sector. The discussion will assess the implications for small businesses, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs, with a focus on access to capital, transaction costs, regulatory compliance, and innovation in digital finance. By addressing both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging financial legislation, the conversation will provide insights into the future of our financial regulatory framework and how businesses can navigate a rapidly changing landscape and adapt to new standards.
This segment will feature different keynote addresses that will highlight the strategic importance of trilateral cooperation under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its role in strengthening North American economic competitiveness. Attendees will hear about the impact of cross-border trade on innovation, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and regional prosperity, emphasizing shared commitments to expanding market access and fostering inclusive economic growth. We will also explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration among North American governments and businesses to reinforce trade partnerships, address emerging global challenges, and promote sustained economic integration across the region.
Take a well-deserved pause to recharge and reconnect. After an engaging session, we invite you to step out, stretch your legs, grab a coffee or water, and continue the conversation with fellow attendees. This networking break is your opportunity to make new connections, exchange ideas, and return refreshed for what’s ahead.
The second half of the afternoon session will focus on the intersection of emerging technology, digital advocacy, and international collaboration in shaping the future of small businesses. A featured panel on the national artificial intelligence framework will examine how evolving federal AI policies and standards are creating a more unified approach to regulation—aimed at fostering innovation, reducing fragmentation, and equipping small businesses to responsibly adopt new technologies and compete in a digital economy.
The conversation will then turn to the growing influence of social media as a tool for advocacy and business growth. Panelists will share practical strategies for building an authentic online presence, engaging communities, and leveraging digital platforms to shape policy conversations and drive meaningful impact.
The session will also include keynote insights on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), underscoring the continued importance of trilateral cooperation in advancing North American economic competitiveness. Speakers will highlight how cross-border trade supports innovation, strengthens supply chains, and expands opportunities for inclusive growth, while exploring avenues for deeper collaboration among governments and businesses in an increasingly complex global landscape.
A panel discussion on the national artificial intelligence framework will explore how emerging federal AI policies and standards are expected to shape the operating environment for small businesses across the United States. The conversation will examine how a unified national framework aims to promote innovation, reduce regulatory fragmentation, and provide clear guidelines for responsible AI adoption, helping small businesses compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving digital economy. By highlighting both the economic potential and policy implications of AI governance, the discussion will provide insights into how small businesses can prepare for and benefit from the next generation of technology-driven growth.
In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, social media can be a powerful platform for advocacy, storytelling, and business growth. This conversation will focus on how small businesses can strategically use social media to influence policy conversations, engage their communities, and expand their reach.
This session will explore practical strategies for building an authentic online presence, mobilizing audiences around key issues, and translating digital engagement into real-world impact. Attendees will gain insights into navigating emerging trends, crafting compelling content, and leveraging platforms to advocate for policies that support small business success.
This segment will feature different keynote addresses that will highlight the strategic importance of trilateral cooperation under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its role in strengthening North American economic competitiveness. Attendees will hear about the impact of cross-border trade on innovation, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and regional prosperity, emphasizing shared commitments to expanding market access and fostering inclusive economic growth. We will also explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration among North American governments and businesses to reinforce trade partnerships, address emerging global challenges, and promote sustained economic integration across the region.
A formal signing ceremony marking a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) to strengthen bilateral collaboration and economic opportunity.
Wrap up a full day of programming with an evening reception at the host hotel, offering attendees the opportunity to unwind, reconnect, and continue conversations in a relaxed setting. Join fellow participants for light bites, refreshments, and meaningful networking as we reflect on the day’s discussions and build new connections before the summit concludes.
Day 03
On the final day of the USHCC 2026 Legislative Summit, local Chamber leaders will take their voices directly to Capitol Hill for a full day of one-on-one meetings with Members of Congress, key committee staff, and participate in Congressional Roundtables. As a local Chamber leader, this is your opportunity to advocate for policies that drive Hispanic business growth and economic opportunity nationwide. Throughout the day, local Chamber leaders will meet with policymakers to share the priorities and impact stories of Hispanic-owned businesses in their communities. The USHCC team will coordinate all congressional and agency meetings to ensure a productive and engaging advocacy experience for each local Chamber leader in attendance.