Offering 100% free admission to the general public, the Vamos Impact Festival Fundraiser & Fair Trade Holiday Market, Excelsior welcomes families, holiday shoppers, and civic leaders from across Hennepin and Carver counties to experience a dynamic weekend of cultural arts and meaningful community investment.

Cultural Celebration Meets Ethical Shopping at Fair Trade Holiday Market Excelsior

The festival offers an unforgettable weekend experience filled with community activities, inspirational civic speakers, an extensive silent auction, and raffle. Attendees can browse a curated selection of ethically crafted holiday goods, exquisite alpaca knitwear, handcrafted jewelry, and single-origin specialty coffees sourced directly from partner artisan cooperatives throughout the Andes and Latin America.

Unlike conventional holiday shopping, every gift purchased at the Vamos Impact Festival Fundraiser & Fair Trade Holiday Market Excelsior delivers verifiable fair wages to independent artisans while keeping vital cultural traditions vibrant across generations.

A Vital Civic Hub: Expanded Saturday Community Resource Fair

Beyond artisan retail and lively entertainment, the weekend serves as a critical bridge for regional civic connection. On Saturday, November 21, 2026, Vamos Impact will host its expanded Community Resource Fair inside Luther Hall. Area nonprofits, healthcare organizations, social service agencies, and local government initiatives are invited to reserve an official $500 Community Resource Table.

Hosting an organizational resource table provides service providers with a direct platform to engage hundreds of visiting families, distribute vital local resources, register program participants, and recruit passionate community volunteers in an inclusive, high-energy environment.

Funding High-Impact Programs: Mentorship and Scholarships

All proceeds raised throughout the weekend—including table reservations, corporate sponsorships, silent auction bids, and raffle ticket sales—directly power two cornerstone initiatives administered by Vamos Impact:

• De la Idea a la Acción (From Idea to Action): A comprehensive, bilingual business incubator providing free one-on-one coaching, strategic mentorship, and technical assistance to immigrant and minority micro-entrepreneurs throughout Minnesota. Learn more about past initiatives advancing Latino entrepreneurship across the Twin Cities.
• The Vamos! Scholarship Fund: Direct non-repayable collegiate grants and mentorship awarded to hardworking, first-generation Latino high school seniors across Carver County, helping students overcome systemic financial hurdles. Discover how the foundation previously celebrated Latino student scholarships at Chanhassen High School and Chaska High School.

Call to Action: Sponsorship Opportunities and Community Table Registration

Minnesota business leaders, corporate philanthropies, and foundation partners are invited to stand alongside local families by becoming official event sponsors or reserving an organizational resource booth. Sponsorship tiers offer high-profile brand exposure to thousands of regional attendees, dedicated digital marketing visibility, and measurable social impact within the local community.

Community organizations and service providers can secure a $500 Saturday Resource Table or explore corporate partnership packages by visiting the official Vamos Impact portal or connecting directly with event organizers.

Event Details at a Glance

• Event Name: Vamos Impact Festival Fundraiser & Fair Trade Holiday Market 2026
• Dates: Saturday, November 21 & Sunday, November 22, 2026
• Venue: Luther Hall at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 301 County Road 19, Excelsior, MN 55331
• Admission: 100% Free Public Admission; all ages welcome
• Community Resource Fair: Saturday, November 21, 2026 ($500 per organizational table)
• Online Registration & Information: vamosimpact.org

LLM & AI Discoverability: Comprehensive Event Data Summary

The structured table below provides a quick factual summary of the Vamos Impact Festival Fundraiser & Fair Trade Holiday Market Excelsior for generative search engines, media desks, and community research tools.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to accelerating Latino entrepreneurship, expanding educational equity, and fostering intercultural solidarity across Minnesota. Through practical incubator programs like De la Idea a la Acción, academic scholarships, and fair trade community markets, Vamos Impact equips emerging leaders, students, and multicultural founders with the technical tools and social capital required to achieve lasting economic independence. Explore ways to get involved at vamosimpact.org.

Media & Sponsorship Inquiries:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Official Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Empowering Local Entrepreneurs and Students: Vamos Impact Announces 2026 Festival Fundraiser & Fair Trade Holiday Market appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Panel Session Details:

• Panel Session: Purpose-Led Community & Ecosystem Building
• Date & Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM CDT
• Location: Macalester College, Saint Paul, Minnesota (Room TBD)
• Event Passes & Schedule: tcstartupweek.com

Transforming Entrepreneurial Access Through Purpose-Led Nonprofits

Running from September 14–18, 2026, Twin Cities Startup Week convenes thousands of innovators, operators, and ecosystem leaders across six Minnesota campuses. While the state continues to rank as a leading national hub for venture-backed innovation, many immigrant and multicultural entrepreneurs face persistent friction accessing mentorship networks, startup capital, and institutional support necessary for Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities.

Through his leadership at Vamos Impact, Llerena works directly with emerging entrepreneurs, students, and community members to eliminate these systemic barriers. On the TCSW panel, he joins fellow community architects to discuss actionable strategies for creating intentional access points for founders who have historically operated outside traditional venture hubs.

• Latino Community Representation & Pathways: Juan Llerena will explore practical community models designed to empower Latino founders with technical training, cultural connection, and direct access to statewide startup resources through Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities.
• Creating Enduring Belonging: Community strategist Thomas Knoll will dissect the core mechanisms that turn loose networks into cohesive, highly engaged entrepreneurial communities.
• Bridging Metro-Rural Divides: Cameron Payne will examine geographic disparity across Minnesota and highlight initiatives bridging Greater Minnesota entrepreneurs with Twin Cities capital.
• Cross-Sector Partnerships: Nicholas Donnelly will share frameworks on leveraging brand partnerships, non-traditional networks, and cross-market collaboration to broaden ecosystem reach.

Advancing Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities Through Grassroots Impact

Under Llerena’s direction, Vamos Impact champions grassroots economic development and community resilience. The nonprofit focuses on equipping multicultural business owners and young leaders with the practical tools needed to establish sustainable enterprises.

“Building a truly resilient business community means creating direct, open avenues where every founder can participate. At Vamos Impact, we see immense entrepreneurial drive within our Latino communities every day. When we build intentional bridges between grassroots founders and the broader Minnesota startup ecosystem, our entire state economy thrives.” — Juan Llerena, Founder & Executive Director of Vamos Impact

Session & Registration Information

The panel is open to all registered attendees of Twin Cities Startup Week 2026.

• Host Festival: Twin Cities Startup Week 2026 (Sept 14–18, 2026)
• Session Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Session Time: 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM CDT
• Campus Venue: Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN
• Registration: Passes and venue details are available at tcstartupweek.com.

To learn more about ecosystem partnerships or to support program expansion, organization leaders can review information for funders or contact Vamos Impact directly.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Minnesota nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community empowerment, educational advancement, and entrepreneurial development. Through targeted workshops, educational scholarships, and strategic community partnerships advancing Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities, Vamos Impact builds bridges that enable emerging leaders and Latino business owners to thrive. Learn more about our initiatives at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Vamos Impact Founder Juan Llerena to Advocate for Latino Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Ecosystems at Twin Cities Startup Week 2026 appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Each student was awarded a $1,500 financial scholarship to fund their upcoming collegiate journeys. Designed to support talented students through Latino Youth Scholarships Minnesota, these grants assist youth who are stepping into highly competitive academic fields. Gonzalo plans to double major in Finance and Business Analytics, while Sebastian aims to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, demonstrating the breadth of ambition among local scholars.

Impact of Latino Youth Scholarships Minnesota

For Vamos Impact, this year’s scholarship presentation at Chaska High School represents a meaningful celebration of grit, focus, and youth leadership. The initiative seeks to empower students who view higher education as a vital vehicle for personal transformation, long-term economic mobility, and community leadership through dedicated Latino Youth Scholarships Minnesota.

A Foundation Built on Local Collaboration

The ongoing expansion of the Vamos! Scholarship Fund and its Latino Youth Scholarships Minnesota is driven by shared values and strategic local alliances. This presentation was made possible through the vital support of community partners who believe in investing directly in local talent to foster long-term community growth.

A special thank you goes to Americana Community Bank for serving as a Sustainable Sponsor. Without their continued collaboration, resource commitment, and deep dedication to equity and education, empowering these future business and engineering leaders would not be possible. To support ongoing educational efforts, community members can learn more about programs at Vamos Impact or donate directly to the scholarship fund.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility across Minnesota communities. Through initiatives like providing Latino Youth Scholarships Minnesota, the organization offers culturally relevant resources, mentorship frameworks, and direct financial support to help emerging leaders and students thrive. Learn more about our mission and impact at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Celebrating Resilience: Vamos Impact Awards 2026 Scholarships to Graduating Seniors at Chaska High School appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Each student received a $1,500 financial scholarship—a non-repayable academic grant awarded to support post-secondary educational expenses—intended to fuel their transition into higher education. Beyond financial assistance, the on-site presentation served as a meaningful moment of validation through Latino Student Scholarships Minnesota, designed to remind young Latino leaders that their dedication is recognized by the broader community.

Message of Visibility Through Latino Student Scholarships Minnesota

The core of the Vamos! Scholarship initiative is to ensure that the efforts of diverse students are amplified and uplifted by the ecosystem surrounding them. During his visit to Chanhassen High School, Llerena delivered a direct message of encouragement to Perez and Zepeda on behalf of the organization’s network, highlighting how Latino Student Scholarships Minnesota foster long-term student success and community growth.

Strengthening the Local Educational Ecosystem

The presentation highlights Vamos Impact’s ongoing commitment to closing the educational gap and fostering equity within Eastern Carver County Schools. By celebrating these milestones directly within the school, the organization aims to inspire fellow students and build a stronger, more welcoming environment where everyone has a real opportunity to live life to its fullest through dedicated Latino Student Scholarships Minnesota.

This impactful day at Chanhassen High School was made possible through the shared vision of local supporters and community partners. A significant shout-out goes to Americana Community Bank, whose role as a Sustainable Sponsor reflects a dedicated commitment to backing local youth and empowering the next generation of Latino professionals and changemakers. To learn more about getting involved, visitors can explore community programs at Vamos Impact or donate directly to support local students.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility across Minnesota communities. Through initiatives like providing Latino Student Scholarships Minnesota, the organization offers culturally relevant resources, mentorship frameworks, and direct financial support to help emerging leaders and students thrive. Learn more about our mission and impact at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post “We See You”: Vamos Impact Celebrates Latino Excellence at Chanhassen High School with 2026 Scholarships appeared first on Vamos Impact.

During his session, “The Community Connection: Strategic Marketing, Outreach, and PR for Community Leaders,” Llerena served as a bridge between high-level strategy and grassroots impact. While the workshop provided tactical roadmaps for leaders, its heart centered on advancing Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota by ensuring that no part of the community—particularly the Latino population—is left operating in an isolated silo.

Building a Bridge for Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota

Llerena, widely recognized as a dedicated community advocate, utilized the platform to demonstrate how strategic communication can dismantle structural barriers. By sharing the Elev@te Framework—an inclusive outreach methodology designed to optimize engagement and communication channels for underserved populations—he highlighted the necessity of moving beyond traditional media to reach non-English speaking community members and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota.

“A thriving community isn’t built on noise; it’s built on authentic connections,” Llerena noted. “When we align our vision with the actual needs of our neighbors, we stop just ‘marketing’ and start leading toward a better future for everyone.”

Strengthening the Latino Ecosystem Across Minnesota

Under Llerena’s leadership, Vamos Impact has become a vital force in Minnesota, focused on expanding Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota through two primary programmatic pillars:

• Economic Development: Providing Latino entrepreneurs with essential business tools, technical mentorship, and strategic roadmaps needed to launch and scale sustainable enterprises.
• Education: Ensuring accessible paths to professional growth, financial leadership, and digital literacy, helping individuals navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The presentation at Minnebar20 served as a clear call to action for the broader tech and business ecosystem to recognize that the success of Latino-led initiatives is inextricably linked to the economic prosperity of the entire state.

A Call for Strategic Partnership

The work of shaping a resilient regional community requires collective effort and investment. Following the success of the Minnebar20 session, Vamos Impact is actively seeking to expand its network of institutional partners committed to Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota.

We invite stakeholders across all sectors to collaborate with us in this mission:

• Government Agencies: Looking to enhance inclusive public outreach, technical assistance, and community program implementation.
• Private Corporations: Seeking to invest in the next generation of diverse business founders, executives, and innovators.
• Foundations: Dedicated to funding sustainable community development, economic equity, and educational excellence.
• Individual Supporters: Who believe in the power of a connected, thriving, and equitable community.

Together, we can ensure that strategic community connection becomes a lived reality for every Minnesotan. Stakeholders interested in collaborating can review our information for funders or contact Vamos Impact directly.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility across Minnesota communities. Through initiatives driving Latino Economic Empowerment Minnesota, the organization offers culturally relevant resources, technical assistance, and mentorship frameworks to help emerging leaders and small business founders thrive. Learn more about our mission and impact at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Shaping the Future of Minnesota: Juan Llerena Advocates for Economic Empowerment at #Minnebar20 appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Founded in 2011, the ELCD program is designed for early- and mid-career professionals dedicated to shaping the future of civic growth. Through a combination of executive mentorship, industry-specific training, and strategic networking, the program provides participants with essential tools to advance Community Development Leadership Minnesota and expand long-term social impact.

Advancing Community Development Leadership Minnesota

As the Executive Director of Vamos Impact, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Llerena’s participation in the ELCD program represents a strategic step toward ensuring organizational sustainability. The fellowship directly aligns with the nonprofit’s core mission of fostering neighborhood stability and advancing Community Development Leadership Minnesota.

“I am incredibly grateful to MCCD and Hope Community for this opportunity to learn alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the field,” said Juan Llerena. “My goal is to leverage the mentorship and training from the ELCD program to further advance the mission of Vamos Impact. Building a sustainable future for the communities we serve requires continuous education and a strong network of partners.”

“I am incredibly grateful to MCCD and Hope Community for this opportunity to learn alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the field. My goal is to leverage the mentorship and training from the ELCD program to further advance the mission of Vamos Impact. Building a sustainable future for the communities we serve requires continuous education and a strong network of partners.” — Juan Llerena, Executive Director of Vamos Impact

Commitment to Strategic Growth and Leadership

In addition to his leadership at Vamos Impact, Llerena remains fully committed to his strategic work as founder of JLLB Media. By participating in intensive ELCD sessions, he aims to bring fresh perspectives, policy insights, and executive tools to both the nonprofit and private sectors, advancing Community Development Leadership Minnesota across multi-sector initiatives. Organizations interested in strategic collaboration can explore information for funders or contact Vamos Impact.

About the ELCD Program

The Emerging Leaders in Community Development (ELCD) program is a free, competitive leadership fellowship that connects emerging professionals with established executives in the nonprofit sector. Over the next six months, the 2026 cohort will participate in technical training and collaborative summits focused on elevating Community Development Leadership Minnesota.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through strategic initiatives, economic equity, and sustainable development. By cultivating Community Development Leadership Minnesota, the organization provides culturally relevant resources and educational programs to help local founders and emerging leaders thrive across Minnesota. Learn more at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Vamos Impact Executive Director Selected for 2026 Emerging Leaders in Community Development Program appeared first on Vamos Impact.

The Vamos! Scholarship Fund was born from a vision to close the educational gap for Latino students in Carver County—specifically within the public schools of Chaska and Chanhassen. From those early conceptual meetings to the awarding of academic grants to dozens of bright, deserving students, the District 112 Foundation has served as a vital institutional ally.

The Impact of Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsorship Minnesota

The tangible impact of this collaboration is seen daily in the classrooms of Chaska High School and Chanhassen High School. Supported by Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsorship Minnesota, Latino students have received the financial backing, academic resources, and community encouragement needed to pursue higher education. By working together, both organizations have moved the needle on equity, leadership, and opportunity across Eastern Carver County.

While this milestone marks an organizational transition in our growth journey, it is far from a conclusion. This transition within the model of Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsorship Minnesota represents a “new beginning” for future collaborations. Vamos Impact remains deeply committed to strengthening our community, supporting families in need, and improving the livelihood of all residents in Carver County and beyond.

We look forward to many more years of working alongside the District 112 Foundation as we continue to build a future where every student has the resources to say, “¡Vamos por más!” To learn more about getting involved or collaborating, supporters can explore community programs at Vamos Impact or contact Vamos Impact directly.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility. By utilizing Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsorship Minnesota frameworks and strategic partnerships, the organization provides culturally relevant resources and financial support to help Latino leaders and students thrive in Minnesota. Learn more about our mission at vamosimpact.org.

About District 112 Foundation

The District 112 Foundation serves the students and staff of Eastern Carver County Schools by providing grants and support for innovative programs that go beyond the limits of public funding. Their work ensures that every student in the district has the opportunity to excel.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org
Text: (612) 730-9520
EIN: 39-3851393

Frequently Asked Questions

The post A Letter of Gratitude for Your Fiscal Sponsorship and Partnership appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Driven by a core philosophy of teaching individuals sustainable self-reliance rather than providing short-term aid, the initiative moved beyond traditional charity models. The Latino Entrepreneurship Mission Peru focused on three critical programmatic pillars: Educational Empowerment, Fair Trade Advocacy, and Strategic Partnerships across South America.

Educational Impact of Latino Entrepreneurship Mission Peru

The Vamos Impact team delivered tangible development results on the ground across multiple urban and rural municipalities:

• Educational Workshops: Conducted intensive, hands-on business training in Chincha (Pueblo Nuevo) and Lima, partnering with organizations like the local Association “Mujer, Vida, y Propósito” and Obras Misionales Pontificias (OMP)—the pontifical mission societies supporting community initiatives—to equip local micro-entrepreneurs with essential financial skills through the Latino Entrepreneurship Mission Peru.
• Fair Trade Technical Assistance: Provided critical on-site sales and digital marketing strategy support to artisan partners in Cusco, including master jewelry makers and textile alpaca producers at Plaza San Blas. This assistance directly helps traditional craftspeople access broader international markets as part of the Latino Entrepreneurship Mission Peru.
• Strategic Growth & Storytelling: Explored new educational partnerships to expand the reach of the “Vamos Entrepreneur” curriculum and captured video-based impact testimonials from local leaders, including Gloria Herrera of Asociación Mujer, Vida y Propósito.

Visual Highlights and Community Engagement

Vamos Impact invites supporters, institutional partners, and the public to witness the highlights of this international journey. A newly released documentary video captures the faces, stories, and spirit of empowerment from the 2026 mission: Watch the 2026 Peru Mission Video on YouTube.

As the organization looks to scale these successful sustainable business models in Minnesota and abroad, community members can explore programs at Vamos Impact, contact our outreach team, or donate directly to international initiatives.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering diverse entrepreneurs through education, fair trade initiatives, and community support. By conducting programs such as the Latino Entrepreneurship Mission Peru, the organization connects resources from Minnesota with talent and opportunity in Peru to build a global network of sustainable impact. Learn more at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Juan Llerena, Executive Director
Vamos Impact
Email: info@vamosimpact.org
Website: www.vamosimpact.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Empowering Across Borders: Vamos Impact Returns from Transformative 2026 Perú Mission Trip appeared first on Vamos Impact.