Lorena Zuniga was born and raised in Austin, Texas. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become an entrepreneur. In her early twenties, that dream became reality when she opened and operated her own hair salon. Inspired by her grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, Lorena developed a passion for running her own business.
However, not everyone shared her enthusiasm. Her parents, both employed in government and state positions, were hesitant about her career path. They encouraged her to pursue what they considered a more stable, “real” job. Despite their concerns, Lorena’s salon was thriving at the time. One evening , while being out, she reconnected with an old friend who mentioned how well things were going at her workplace. Half-joking, Lorena asked for help landing an interview—and to her surprise, it worked. That opportunity led her to a new career path in the title industry.
Lorena began working at AMCap Mortgage, LTD, a title agency. For those unfamiliar, title agencies are essential players in real estate and business development. As a Business Development Representative, Lorena played a key role in driving growth, building relationships, and expanding the agency’s client base. Over the years, she gained valuable experience working with several different title companies.
It was during this time that Lorena discovered her love for B2B—business-to- business—interactions. Unlike working directly with consumers, B2B allowed her to engage with individuals who already understood the industry, eliminating the need to explain the basics of her work. This shift brought her a greater sense of fulfillment and efficiency.
When asked how she first learned about the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI), Lorena shared that it was through Monica, a friend and colleague who had been involved in supporting small businesses even before joining EGBI. Lorena admired Monica’s dedication and was excited to support her when she began working with the organization.
What resonated most with Lorena was EGBI’s mission to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Having experienced the challenges of entrepreneurship herself, she understands the importance of that support. She continues to be inspired by the work EGBI does and enjoys watching Monica thrive in her role, driven by a shared passion for empowering others.
If you would like to help start or grow your business please be sure to reach out to us at hello@egbi.org
Aida A. Ramirez is a financial expert and founder of Aida’s Financial Solutions, a service for small business owners navigating complicated financial decisions. Aida specializes in multiple skills including tax preparation, financial coaching, as well as guiding clients toward long-term success.
Aida has been connected with the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) for many years. Her involvement began through her friendship with Monica Peña, whose work she’s long admired. Aida saw how EGBI provides necessary support and resources for entrepreneurs facing barriers. Over time, Aida began referring friends and clients to EGBI for help launching or formalizing their small business ideas. “Without organizations like EGBI, many of these ventures might never have the opportunity to take off,” Aida explains.
She currently continues to support the organization and its mission to empower underserved entrepreneurs across Central Texas.
Aida’s determination to support others is what inspired her to start Aida’s Financial Solutions. After years in the industry, she wanted to be able to financially advise people well, also making them comfortable to ask questions. The most rewarding aspect of her job is knowing that she reduced the financial stress that brought someone through the door. “I want my clients to walk away not just with a solution, but with the confidence to handle their financial future,” she says.
When working with each client closely, Aida first explains how the financial system works then walks them through how their unique situation fits within that framework. Her approach is fully transparent, as she will lay out the options face up to their clients and explain what each one of them means. Once people understand the process they are capable of making smart independent designs for themselves and their business.
Communication is the most important skill for someone looking to start a financial services business. “You have to be able to explain complex topics in a basic, clear, and detailed way,” she says. Aida encourages new professionals to be patient and willing to spend extra time with each client. Many of them have never had someone take the time to truly explain things before. Care and clarity is what can change lives.
Aida A. Ramirez is driven by a passion for helping others feel confident about their finances.
Whether through one-on-one support or connecting clients with EGBI, she’s focused on making financial literacy clear, accessible, and empowering.
Claudio Lopez is from Mexico City and has been living in the US for several years, because his wife Irma Orozco is a Tejana. Ever since he was young, Lopez said art has always been a passion of his. “I have always liked to work with my hands and I cultivated drawing and art through my teenage years and took up painting as an adult experimenting with realism, abstract and neorealism styles,” he said.
It wasn’t until 40 years later when Lopez sought to combine his artistic ability with a career that he became a jewelry designer. “As a child I remember visiting jewelry design shops with my dad who owned a jewelry and watch retail business in Mexico City and being fascinated as I watched the masters work with gold, silver and stones and then polish the pieces into shiny jewelry,” he said.
He began making handcrafted jewelry in 2011, and began selling at local events in and around San Antonio. In 2012 he launched his website but then realized he needed to study techniques to diversify his designs, so he enrolled at Austin Community College and learned the basics of metalsmithing and stone setting, studying masters like Peter Carl Fabregé, Rene Lalique and Jacques Cartier. In 2016 he received his Associates degree in Applied Science in Jewelry at ACC.
Lopez believes that you have to be passionate about art and creation to try to establish a business where you use your imagination, your hands, and decide to show and sell the artwork to people.
“As in any other arts and crafts field, there are very supportive people and there are others who are critical,” he said. “But if you know that this activity is your passion, the only important thing is to put your ideas into action.” As a jeweler, Lopez says he designs all his jewelry and enjoys incorporating abstract design into his work.
“As a jeweler, I decide what to do the same way a plastic artist decides; the difference is that my media are metals such as gold, silver, copper and resin and the end product are necklaces, earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets,” he said. “I just have to know how to work with metals, fire and stones, which enhance my color palette.”
Lopez has some classic designs he follows, but when a client requires a custom piece and gives him a specific design he follows their example. He says his wife was the first one to contact the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) to learn how to run a business to help him with the new business that he began 13 years ago, an Artisan Mercado where Latinx artists could have a place to sell their artwork. EGBI has various ways they help business owners through their business coaching, various training opportunities, and support services.
“Since then, we have supported EGBI and we consider that the mission of this institution is formative, helping people to start their businesses,” he said. “ In the past, we have also invited EGBI clients to sell at the Latinx art market, which is currently held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first and third Saturday of the month in downtown Austin.”
If you would like to make an appointment with an EGBI business coach, visit https://egbi.org/coach/ .
Ryan Melendez is a banking professional with over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently serves as the Vice President and Branch Leader at Truist Bank, where he focuses on helping individuals and small businesses grow through trusted financial guidance. Ryan didn’t initially plan to go into banking,but the field became something he felt passionate about.
“After my time at Dell, I was just looking for a job,” Ryan says. He ended up at IBC Bank, and from there, found a genuine interest in the world of banking. What began as a job turned into a career where he focused on building relationships and helping others succeed. Over time, Ryan’s role evolved from handling transactions to becoming more of a financial advisor. “It’s not just about banking anymore. It’s about how we can serve you,” he says.
Ryan has been involved with Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) since 2014. He was first invited to get involved by a former director, and since then, has become a strong supporter of the organization’s mission. One of his most meaningful experiences was working with Alejandro Medina, owner of Complus Systems, a small business owner whom he helped through advice and support. “He started small, and I got to watch him grow and thrive,” Ryan says. He values the opportunity to give back to the community, especially to Latino entrepreneurs looking for guidance and encouragement.
“EGBI gave me the chance to meet people, help them start businesses, and build real community connections,” Ryan says. “That kind of interaction means more to me now than anything I did in IT years ago.”
Outside of banking, Ryan serves in the Texas State Guard, where he continues to demonstrate leadership and discipline. Balancing a banking career with military service isn’t easy. “Some weekends I’m waking up at 4 a.m. to drill,” he says. “But it gives me a sense of pride. I get to serve my community both in and out of uniform.”
In addition to his work at the bank and his military service, Ryan has mentored clients, trained young professionals, as well as hosted a radio show called Más Allá del Dinero, which focused on financial literacy in the Latino community. “A lot of us struggle with confidence when it comes to money,” he says. “I want to change that and help our community invest more, save more, and buy homes.”
When asked what keeps him motivated, Ryan’s answer is simple: “Seeing results. Leaving an impact.” After years in the industry, he continues to focus on making a difference in people’s financial lives and in their communities.
If you would like support in starting or running a business from EGBI, click the link below. https://egbi.org/
Jorge Cervantes, founder of Temperature Experts, began his journey by taking air conditioning classes at ACC in 2016. Thanks to his effort and perseverance, he earned his first license and worked at Alpine for four years, followed by a position at Temperature Pro.
Jorge has spent nearly nine years training and working in the HVAC industry. He explains his reasons for choosing this career by saying:
“My passion for this trade comes from the joy of helping people, solving technical problems, and seeing my clients’ satisfaction. I’m also inspired by the freedom of being an entrepreneur and the desire to contribute to my community.”
With the goal of becoming his own boss and serving the community, Jorge built his business with care and dedication. He shares:
“Temperature Experts specializes in the repair and installation of air conditioning systems, both residential and commercial. What sets us apart is the direct and human approach, our commitment to quality, honesty, and a fast, professional response.”
Jorge sought guidance from the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) and connected with people who wanted to see him grow as an entrepreneur and reach his goals. He says:
“EGBI has been key to our growth, helping me become more professional in administrative areas, in using advertising tools like Google, and in preparing for the next step as a business owner. I’m grateful to the EGBI team for supporting growing businesses, to my coach Héctor, who is a great person and an excellent mentor, and to Alina from Easy Insurance for recommending this organization.”
Not all paths are straight; some have twists and turns, and the same is true when running a business. Jorge has faced several challenges and shares how he has overcome them:
“Like any business, we’ve faced challenges—starting from scratch without clients or a clear direction, learning the administrative side, adapting to technology, and competing with companies that don’t operate professionally. We’ve overcome this through hard work, continuous learning, and always focusing on the quality of our service.”
Jorge reflects on his experience as a business owner and shares the lessons he’s learned:
“A valuable lesson I’ve learned is that quality and honesty always open doors. Customers appreciate good service and professionalism, and that has allowed us to grow steadily and with purpose.”
If you’d like to learn more about how EGBI can support your business, don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@egbi.org
Rogers’ banking journey began at age 18 at NationsBank (now known as Bank of America), where his sister had gotten him an interview. Initially, he hadn’t wanted to go into banking, but took the interview and got the job. He got the job as a teller and continued working from there.
Today, Rogers works at Cadence Bank as the commercial relationship manager and owns two businesses: a photo booth business and a commercial cleaning move-out business. He said his primary goal for starting these businesses was to maximize his income for his family in the long term, and his freedom, so he no longer will have to work a 9-5 in the future.
In 2006, Rogers acquired a trucking company and 18-wheelers to haul agriculture, mainly in Corpus Christi. Most businesses are cyclical, meaning they are seasonal, and in agriculture, there is planting to harvest.
“This operates about 7 months out of any 12-month calendar year, to which you have to offset your business by finding other loads to carry,” Rogers said.
What he would do in those cases was have things called reefer vans and dry vans. So they had refrigerator trucks, and haul general freight interstate throughout the US.
With plans of not remaining in banking for the rest of his life, Rogers said his mom and pop businesses he owns will generate enough income to step down from the 9-to-5.
“I will leverage a portion of that income into developing either rentals or ADU’s primarily in South Texas,” he said. “I am also currently researching to open up a string of laundromats as well.”
Rogers used to work with the CDFI People Fund, where he had come across EGBI, because they would service with technical assistance to some of the clients that they could not in instances of overflow.
“When there were classes like this based on marketing and business, cash flow management, taxes, even if our classes were full, then we would send our individuals and clientele over to EGBI, and they did a great job,” he said.
Rogers said he loves the fact that EGBI helps minorities.
“I love the passion of everyone that works for the organization, and I look forward to their growth and success in the future.”
