From Deseret News archives:
Suazo center to empower minorities
Ground broken for facility to help businesses
On Thursday, ground was broken for the Pete Suazo Business Center, which Gonzalez founded in 2002 to give the same help to entrepreneurs that she once received herself.
"This is a special moment when dreams come true," Gonzalez said at the west-side site that will house the facility.
Gonzalez hopes the center will live up to Suazo's lifelong efforts to "empower minorities to become a part of the business community."
The Suazo center's goal is to provide assistance to existing minority-owned businesses and to help train and support those who are trying to start new businesses, she said.
Gonzalez said many immigrants, like herself, come to this nation educated, with business experience and English fluency. But like Gonzalez, many need help to understand the way business is done in the United States.
Since it opened at a temporary location in February, the Suazo center has helped incorporate 15 new businesses, resulting in 44 new jobs, Gonzalez said. It is helping 120 clients on various aspects of starting or growing businesses, she said.
Executive director Robert Heyn, the only paid staff member, said mentors help clients "develop business plans, marketing, research, financial projections and everything in between."
The permanent site, at 950 W. 1700 South, is just a few blocks from Suazo's first home, his parents said.
"We're so proud of what Pete started," said Cecelia Suazo, Suazo's mother, who attended the groundbreaking with her husband, Pat.
One individual who sought the Suazo center's help when he started his business is Judon Casias.
Casias said he had no idea how much was involved in starting a business, until he started his own — J.E.T Limousine, which opened a month ago — after a mentor helped him develop a business plan and get his license.
"When someone helps you like that, it is a blessing," he said.
Gonzalez used Thursday's groundbreaking to announce a fund drive to raise $1.5 million for the Suazo center.
The building is being constructed using a $500,000 federal grant, secured with the help of U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, Gonzalez said.
One of the Suazo center's key contributors, Zions Bank, announced it will donate $75,000 over the next three years.
For more information on the center, visit www.petesuazocenter.org.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
