PITTSBURGH, PA — October 21, 2025 — Six local Latino-owned businesses are getting a boost this fall, thanks to Ascender’s 2025 Latino Mini-Grant Program, which awarded a total of $13,500 to entrepreneurs building community-driven businesses across Pittsburgh.
The grants, presented during ¡Avanza! Pittsburgh on October 18 at Trace Brewing, recognize founders who are shaping the city’s future through innovation, creativity, and cultural connection — from a woman-led construction firm to a local radio station uplifting Latino voices.
“These grants aren’t charity. They’re investments in the entrepreneurs reshaping Pittsburgh’s economy,” said Nadyli Nuñez, CEO of Ascender. “Since 2023, we’ve awarded over $62,000 in mini-grants to Latine and Black businesses — not because it’s trendy, but because it’s smart. These founders are building the future, and they’re doing it in a city that’s finally starting to wake up to what’s possible when we stop gatekeeping opportunity.”
A Growing Force in Pittsburgh’s Economy
While Pittsburgh’s total population grew by less than 1% between 2010 and 2020, the city’s Latino population increased by 70%, and by 80% in Allegheny County. Nationally, Latino-owned businesses are growing nearly 17 times faster than the average employer business, yet many still face barriers to accessing capital.
Ascender’s Latino Mini-Grant Program aims to bridge that gap — providing not only funding but also a supportive community for founders often excluded from traditional startup ecosystems.
Celebration Meets Capital
The ¡Avanza! Pittsburgh celebration, emceed by Melanie Marie Boyer, CEO of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, brought together entrepreneurs, funders, and civic leaders to mark the close of Hispanic Heritage Month with a night of networking, music, and Latin flavors.
The event featured a vendor market, taco bar, and live performances, underscoring Ascender’s belief that building a business is a community effort. The celebration was made possible through partnerships with Bakery Square (presenting sponsor) and Trace Brewing (venue partner).
Meet the 2025 Grant Recipients
Each of this year’s winners reflects the diversity and resilience of Pittsburgh’s Latino entrepreneurial community:
Del Caimán ($5,000) – Rafael Migoyo’s art gallery, celebrating Latin American culture through exhibitions and community programs. Funds will go toward a professional lighting system to enhance gallery experiences.
Radio Las Palmas ($3,000) – Oscar Mateo Mattos Mareno’s community radio station amplifying Latino voices across Pittsburgh. The grant supports new broadcasting equipment and marketing.
Pure Home Magic ($2,000) – Andres Oliveros Sanchez’s cleaning service provides reliable, high-quality work. Funding will help with new equipment, uniforms, and bilingual marketing.
King of Kings Construction ($1,500) – Sara Uribe Valderrama’s woman-led construction company emphasizing quality and representation. The grant supports marketing and technology upgrades.
Hot Metal Strings ($1,000) – Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez’s vibrant string band connecting people through music. Funds will help develop a professional website.
Papelón Bistro LLC ($1,000) – Armando Gonzalez’s restaurant, known for its authentic arepas. The grant will fund a new business sign to increase visibility.
Building in Community
Located in East Liberty, Ascender describes itself as “Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial living room” — a collaborative space where founders across industries and backgrounds share ideas, resources, and support.
“We serve entrepreneurs whose friends and family don’t always understand the journey,” said Nuñez. “At Ascender, you’re surrounded by people who get it — because they’re on it too.”
Earlier this year, Ascender was named Mixed-Use ESO of the Year by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) for its transformative approach to supporting diverse entrepreneurs.
For more information about Ascender and its programs, visit www.ascenderpgh.com.
