2026 State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit

Why It Matters

Latino entrepreneurship now drives a $4.1 trillion economy and rapid job growth; institutional support will determine how fully this potential reshapes the U.S. business landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Major partners: Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and foundations.
• Stanford collaboration drives research, accelerators, and scaling programs.
• Latino entrepreneurs generate $4.1 trillion, fastest‑growing companies and jobs.
• Event emphasizes ecosystem building, inclusive outreach, and mutual contribution.
• Speakers call for representation, dignity, and proactive support among investors.

Summary

The 11th annual State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit convened at Stanford University, hosted by Elban, to celebrate and advance Latino business leadership. Attendees included alumni, ecosystem partners, and Stanford trustees, underscoring a collective commitment to building a supportive network for Latino founders across the country.

Key insights highlighted the deep, multi‑year partnerships with major banks—Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase—and a philanthropic foundation that shape funding, mentorship, and accelerator opportunities. Stanford’s Graduate School of Business contributes rigorous research, a nine‑week accelerator, and a scaling program, producing annual reports that quantify Latino impact: a $4.1 trillion economy, the fastest‑growing companies, and job creation at twice the national rate.

Speakers shared powerful narratives, from a child‑immigrant founder describing Stanford’s transformative environment to the cultural resonance of Bad Bunny’s stage presence, emphasizing dignity and community building. They invoked Jane Stanford’s inclusive vision and called on investors, VCs, and bankers to act as allies rather than gatekeepers.

The summit signals a maturing Latino entrepreneurial ecosystem that demands institutional backing, data‑driven advocacy, and inclusive practices. As Latino businesses continue to outpace peers, the partnership model showcased here offers a blueprint for scaling impact, attracting capital, and influencing policy to sustain this economic momentum.

Original Description

The 11th Annual State of Latino Entrepreneurship (SOLE) Summit, held on Wednesday, March 25, at Stanford GSB, will bring together the nation’s leading voices in business, research, and capital to unveil the latest findings from the annual State of Latino Entrepreneurship Study.

Hosted by Stanford University Graduate School of Business and the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), this premier convening gathers 1,000+ attendees, including business owners, capital providers, corporate leaders, policymakers, researchers, and community builders.

Read the full report here: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/2025-state-latino-entrepreneurship