Alejandro Coss, President and CEO, Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia

In an interview with Focus:, Alejandro Coss, President and CEO of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, discussed the evolving landscape for Latino-owned businesses, economic uncertainty, and the chamber’s role in fostering success. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about building a sustainable future.”

What have been the most significant milestones and achievements for the chamber over the last year?
We are a 27-year-old organization, constantly adapting to the needs of the business community. Our focus is on Latino-owned businesses in Georgia, and as the landscape evolves, so do we.

One recurring challenge is access to capital. In recent years, we launched a microloan fund and emphasized financial education, which is crucial for business success. Now, we provide microloans to small businesses — those unlikely to secure traditional bank loans.

We take on higher risks by investing in these businesses, and so far, the results have been promising. Everyone is repaying on time, and their businesses are growing, which makes us very proud.

How do you see the current state of Latin American-owned businesses in Georgia?
Latino-owned businesses exist at different stages, but if we picture it as a pyramid, fewer businesses are at the top selling over $100 million, while more generate under $1 million. Encouragingly, more businesses are scaling and increasing revenue.

Georgia’s Latino community is still relatively young, though that is gradually changing. We’ve seen a shift from a predominantly immigrant community to second- and third-generation generations starting or taking over family businesses. This evolution is shaping industries where Latino-owned businesses operate, influenced not only by the economic environment but also by new leadership. Additionally, we are diversifying into sectors like IT.

What role does the chamber play in fostering economic success?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are being questioned — to put it mildly. We have always advocated for a level playing field, ensuring Latino-owned businesses have equal access to opportunities. We don’t ask for privileges, just fairness, to not be discriminated against and to compete on equal footing.

Latino-owned businesses remain underrepresented as vendors for corporate America and government contracts, despite their significant presence in Georgia. That’s why we continue pushing for equal access to these opportunities.

Unfortunately, DEI has developed negative connotations in some circles, but at its core, it’s about fairness. We remain committed to this advocacy. It’s challenging, but it reinforces the importance of our work.

We also collaborate with many individuals and organizations you’ve interviewed. Our shared goal is to open doors and ensure fair access, fair treatment, and a level playing field for all businesses.

What initiatives does the chamber have in place to support small businesses and entrepreneurs?
This is something we are very passionate about because of the entrepreneurial spirit of Latinos, and particularly Latinas. Even after many years, I’m still amazed by the creativity and resourcefulness of our community in finding ways to start businesses and generate income.

The challenge isn’t starting businesses but ensuring their sustainability. Our goal is to equip entrepreneurs with the tools to manage and grow their businesses, creating something they can pass down or sell to build wealth.

To support this, we’ve launched three business accelerator programs: ten-week courses covering different aspects of business development. Some are industry-specific, including La Cocina Latina for food service and manufacturing, La Tienda Latina for retail and B2C businesses, and Latina Emprende, tailored for Latinas in business.

We run two Latina-focused programs annually. One, Mexicana Emprende, is in partnership with the Mexican Consulate, supporting women of Mexican origin. The other, Latina Emprende, is open to all Latinas.

These programs combine classroom education with one-on-one technical assistance. Our microloan fund is linked to them, allowing us to strategically invest in participating businesses. We take on higher risks than traditional lenders, providing support both before and after loans are granted.

Latinas are particularly entrepreneurial. Many don’t set out to start businesses, they simply find ways to support their families, and in some cases, they are the sole providers.

During the pandemic, we saw many inspiring examples. One woman, a former forklift driver, lost her job and began selling tamales and menudo from home. Demand grew, and today, she owns a restaurant.

These stories remind us why our work matters. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about building a sustainable future. We are here to ensure our community has the resources and support to do just that.

How is the current economic landscape impacting Latino businesses?
Right now, uncertainty is a major concern. Many Latino businesses, either directly or indirectly, trade with Mexico or other Latin American countries, and fluctuating costs create challenges.

Many also serve the Latino community, with industries like construction employing large numbers of Latinos and Latinas. If these industries are affected, it could impact spending in Latino-owned stores.

A key challenge is the lack of clarity on economic factors. Tariffs being imposed, delayed, and selectively enforced on certain products make planning difficult. Businesses prefer clarity — even a negative situation is easier to manage than being left in limbo. It’s not just about rising costs but also how these fluctuations impact the broader economy and consumer spending.

How has economic integration across North America influenced industries and trade relationships?

One of the most significant realities of NAFTA, or USMCA as it is now known, is the level of economic integration it has facilitated over the past 30 years. The automotive industry is perhaps the best example of this. Automakers and parts manufacturers have structured their production across the three countries as a single region, strategically distributing manufacturing operations.

Vehicles are typically produced in one or two plants per model, with some models being manufactured in Mexico, others in the U.S., and others in Canada. The supply chains are deeply integrated, with parts constantly moving across borders. Given the scale of investment in this industry, in the billions of dollars, making abrupt changes is neither practical nor realistic.
The automotive industry highlights how interdependent the economies of the U.S. and Mexico have become. Mexico’s number one export to the U.S. is vehicles, followed by auto parts. Meanwhile, the number one product the U.S. exports to Mexico is auto parts, followed by vehicles. This back-and-forth trade demonstrates how deeply integrated the supply chains are.

How are businesses navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty in today’s market?
Discussions often focus on tariffs raising prices, like avocados increasing by 25%, but the real concern is their effect on industries reliant on integrated supply chains. Disruptions make it harder for businesses to secure essential components.

Rising costs are already squeezing industries, with dining out becoming disproportionately expensive. Restaurants, for example, face soaring costs for meat and other proteins. At some point, businesses can no longer absorb these increases and must pass them on to consumers.

Economic uncertainty worsens the situation. Some businesses try to anticipate price shifts, while others adjust prices preemptively. The ability to adapt depends on profit margins — some businesses can absorb more costs, while others have little flexibility.