In Lafayette, more than 60 Latino entrepreneurs take center stage at annual expo

By Shelby White

Latino-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing segments of the American small-business economy. In Greater Lafayette, that growth is increasingly visible in storefronts, service companies and family-run enterprises across the region.

The Latino Business Expo, returning April 24 at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, is one way the community is beginning to take stock of that momentum.

Entering its third year, the community event hosted by Greater Lafayette Commerce brings together dozens of businesses and entrepreneurs from across Greater Lafayette, offering residents a chance to meet local business owners, explore new brands and connect with companies representing a wide range of industries.

Visitors can expect exhibitors spanning sectors such as food and hospitality, retail, construction, financial services and professional consulting. Throughout the afternoon, businesses will offer demonstrations, giveaways and opportunities for attendees to learn more about the services and products they provide. This year’s expo will also feature food trucks, a bounce house and a taco cook-off.

“Entrepreneurship has always been central to the story of Greater Lafayette,” said Mikel Berger, president and CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce. “Latino-owned businesses are not emerging; they have arrived. This expo is a chance for the whole region to see that and for these entrepreneurs to get the recognition and spotlight they’ve earned.”

Greater Lafayette is home to more than 125 Latino-owned businesses, reflecting a broader national trend. Across the United States, Latino entrepreneurs have launched businesses at a faster rate than almost any other demographic group over the past decade, contributing $4 trillion in the country’s annual economic output – about the fifth-largest economy in the world if it stood alone.

While the expo centers Latino-owned businesses, companies and organizations from across the region will also participate, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking and new partnerships.

“I sponsor this event because I've seen what happens when the Latino business community gets a room and an audience,” said Diana Garcia, owner of Garcia Insurance Agency, the event’s presenting sponsor. “People leave with new customers, new partners, new confidence. That's worth showing up for."

More than 60 exhibitors are expected to participate this year. The event is free and open to the public. To view the floor plan and full list of exhibitors, visit glclatinobusinessexpo2026.expofp.com