Celebrating Hispanic heritage through culture, community and connection

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities—and the people and partnerships creating opportunity every day. 

At BMO, that recognition reflects our commitment to economic progress, community investment and cultural connection. Across our footprint, we partner with organizations that help expand access to entrepreneurship, workforce development, education and financial stability for Latino communities. 

“Supporting small businesses means helping entrepreneurs strengthen their skills, expand their visibility, build relationships and access opportunities that move their businesses forward Through business education, financial guidance, client connections, events, pop-ups and community showcases, we can help turn that support into real financial progress.”

- Letty Flores-Poole, U.S. Small Business Banking 

From California to Arizona to Illinois, BMO supports organizations such as the Latino Community Foundation, Homeboy Industries, Chicanos Por La Causa and SEED SPOT. These partnerships help strengthen local economies, create opportunities for small businesses, and connect people with the resources they need to thrive. 

In Chicago, those efforts are reflected through longstanding relationships with Latinos Progresando, the National Museum of Mexican Art and United Way Metro Chicago. Together, these organizations support a broader ecosystem focused on small-business development, neighborhood vitality and cultural connection. 

Tradition creates opportunity 

The experiences of two Chicago entrepreneurs connected to BMO show how relationships and practical support can help businesses grow. 

Rosa “Chely” González, founder of La Niña Chamoy Candies, built her business from a treasured family recipe. After losing her caregiving job, she learned her grandfather’s traditional tamarind recipe through video calls from Mexico and began selling to family and friends. 

Pop-up markets, festivals, online sales, business workshops and community programs helped González strengthen her skills, reach new customers and build confidence managing her company’s finances. 

She now runs the business with her mother and daughter and hopes to expand through new retail and community partnerships while creating opportunities for women and young people. 

Culture creates connection 

Chef Atzimba Pérez, founder of Atzimba Catering and Events, uses food to create cultural connections. Born in Morelia, Michoacán and trained in hospitality and gastronomy, she immigrated to the United States, took English classes, worked multiple jobs and stayed focused on building a business of her own. 

Today, Pérez creates culinary experiences that celebrate Mexican culture and bring people together through flavors, aromas and traditions passed down through generations. 

“When people taste our food, I want them to feel seen,” she said. “I want them to remember where they come from.” 

Pérez is preparing to open Casa de Atzimba, a café in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood that she hopes will serve as a gathering place for culture, community and connection. 

Progress that extends beyond business 

These stories illustrate how culture, whole-person leadership and trusted networks can inspire entrepreneurship—and how community investment and meaningful connections can help ideas move forward and communities thrive. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, BMO celebrates entrepreneurs and community partners who turn heritage, expertise and relationships into opportunity—and help communities make progress together.