SAINT PAUL, MN — August 2026 — Juan Llerena, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Vamos Impact, will take the stage at Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW 2026) to advance Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities and address structural pathways for underrepresented founders across the Midwest. Participating in the high-profile panel “Purpose-Led Community & Ecosystem Building,” Llerena will spotlight grassroots community development, technical assistance, and equitable capital access for Latino business owners across Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Greater Minnesota.
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
What will Juan Llerena present regarding Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities at TCSW 2026?
Latino Entrepreneurship Twin Cities will be highlighted by Juan Llerena as he presents practical strategies for dismantling barriers to capital, mentorship, and technical assistance for multicultural founders. He will showcase community models developed by Vamos Impact to connect grassroots business owners with statewide innovation networks.
When and where is the TCSW 2026 panel on purpose-led community building taking place?
The panel “Purpose-Led Community & Ecosystem Building” takes place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:50 AM CDT at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Attendees can register for festival passes through tcstartupweek.com.
How does Juan Llerena combine agency leadership with non-profit ecosystem development?
In addition to directing Vamos Impact, Juan Llerena leads digital strategy and business growth initiatives at JLLB Media, a certified Targeted Group Business (TGB/MBE) recognized by the University of Minnesota Office for Supplier Diversity. This dual perspective enables him to integrate enterprise-grade marketing and workflow automation into non-profit community programs.