#United States #Duke Energy #Prospera #Hispanic Entrepreneurs #Tampa

Prospera Celebrates Entrepreneurial Success and Economic Growth in Florida

On October 31, 2025, Prospera held its annual signature event along Florida's West Coast, proudly sponsored by Duke Energy. This year's celebration, titled 2025 Prospera Success Stories: Together We Thrive, brought together business leaders, community members, public officials, and sponsors to honor the remarkable achievements of Hispanic entrepreneurs in the region. The event highlighted how collaboration and support can enhance local economic opportunities and celebrate the successes of hard-working individuals.

Led by Prospera Regional Vice President Fabian Yepez, the program showcased the considerable impact Prospera has had on local entrepreneurship through its consulting and educational services. The initiative aims to empower small businesses and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the greater Tampa Bay area. Notable speeches were delivered by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector, both emphasizing the crucial role of Prospera's partnership with local government in driving economic growth.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, two exceptional entrepreneurs were awarded during the event:

• - Elisangela Juarez, owner of Safety 1st Pro Services
• - Rolando Lopez, owner of CFO Associates

Fabian Yepez reflected on the significance of their work, stating, "Their stories exemplify the power of resilience, innovation, and opportunity—and the ripple effects that occur when small businesses thrive." The event not only celebrated these individual successes but also honored the journeys of numerous clients who have benefitted from Prospera's unwavering support and guidance.

The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of various sponsors, including:

• - Presenting Sponsor: Duke Energy
• - Hosts: Bank of America, Truist, Verizon, Visit Tampa Bay, and Wells Fargo
• - Champions: GTE Financial, Hill Ward Henderson, JPMorganChase, NUC Nursing Destination School, Regions, Suncoast Credit Union, and TD Bank
• - Event Donors: City of Clearwater, Lake Michigan Credit Union, and Tampa Bay Chamber

For over three decades, Prospera has specialized in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs aiming to start, sustain, and expand their businesses. In the past five years alone, the organization has facilitated nearly $65 million in loans for small business clients, trained over 17,000 entrepreneurs, and helped create or retain more than 18,600 jobs. Prospera currently serves various regions, including Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.

To learn more about their initiatives and support services, you can visit Prospera's official website. The success stories celebrated during this event underscore the importance of community collaboration and highlight the transformative power of entrepreneurship in fostering economic stability and growth. With significant advancements in empowering local businesses, Prospera continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing sustainable development and long-term success for Hispanic entrepreneurs and their families.

Conclusion

The 2025 Prospera Success Stories event stands as a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and community collaboration. As Hispanic entrepreneurs continue to thrive in Florida, the stories shared at the event remind us of the profound impact that dedicated support and guidance can have on individuals and their communities. As highlighted by the leaders gathered at the event, the journey of these entrepreneurs exemplifies resilience and the promise of a brighter future for all.

In a world where small businesses are often the backbone of local economies, initiatives like those by Prospera play a vital role in fostering innovation, growth, and prosperity across various communities.