First Security Bank

Conexión de Negocios Latinos (CNL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and promoting the growth of Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses across Arkansas.

Their work focuses on business education, access to resources, financial education, networking, leadership development, and small business support. Through programs and events, they connect entrepreneurs with financial institutions, organizations, professionals and fellow business owners to help them move forward at every stage of their business journey.

CNL currently has a presence in communities across Arkansas and offers programs such as PCEME (Program for the Training of Mexican Women Entrepreneurs and Businesswomen), business workshops, networking events, programs for young entrepreneurs, initiatives for women and events that recognize and celebrate the impact of Latino-owned businesses.

In 2026, CNL also took on the role of the Arkansas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, strengthening their ability to represent, connect, and support the Hispanic business community throughout the state.

CNL works to ensure that entrepreneurs do not have to build their businesses alone. They create spaces where participants can learn, connect, access resources, and grow.

"Our goal is to continue building bridges between small businesses and the institutions that can contribute to their growth, including banks, community organizations, educational institutions, and private-sector partners."

CNL believes that when small businesses grow, our communities grow stronger too.

"En B Magic Craft Hands creemos que los grandes proyectos no se bordan solos, y en nuestro camino, Conexión de Negocios Latinos ha sido ese hilo conductor que le ha dado mucha más fuerza a nuestro negocio. Hacen una labor maravillosa al conectar a los emprendedores hispanos del noroeste de Arkansas con los recursos, las alianzas y las asesorías que realmente necesitamos para crecer.
Gracias a su respaldo, hemos logrado estructurar mucho mejor nuestros servicios y seguir compartiendo la magia y la cultura del arte textil, especialmente el mexicano con nuestra comunidad. Es un orgullo celebrar cómo nos ayudan a tejer una red de apoyo, demostrando que, cuando nos impulsamos mutuamente, todos tenemos la oportunidad de salir adelante.
En B Magic Craft Hands estamos súper agradecidos con Conexión de Negocios Latinos por ser ese hilo conductor que nos ha conectado con recursos super necesarios para fortalecer nuestro negocio. Gracias a su guía, hemos logrado tejer una red de apoyo para seguir compartiendo nuestro arte textil y hacer crecer a la comunidad hispana."
- Beatriz Segura - B Magic Craft Hands

"At B Magic Craft Hands, we believe that great projects don’t come together on their own, and throughout our journey, Conexión de Negocios Latinos has been the thread that has helped strengthen our business.
Thanks to their support, we have connected with the resources, partnerships, and guidance we truly need to grow and better structure our services. Their support has also allowed us to continue sharing with our community the magic and cultural richness of textile art, especially Mexican art.
We are deeply grateful to Conexión de Negocios Latinos for helping us weave a true support network among entrepreneurs and for demonstrating that when we support and uplift one another, we all have the opportunity to grow and move forward."
- Beatriz Segura - B Magic Craft Hands

To watch Beatriz's testimony, click the Watch Video button below.

Mamas Unidas began as a group of mothers and friends who discovered they shared the same struggle: helping their children navigate the U.S. college admissions process with no prior experience of their own. Today, the nonprofit organization helps families —especially low-income, first-generation and Spanish-speaking households— in Central Arkansas navigate the path to postsecondary education, providing culturally responsive guidance that prepares students for college and beyond while strengthening parents’ ability to support their children’s success.

En Camino
College & Career Readiness Program

A year-long, cohort-based program integrating college readiness, ACT preparation, professional networking, leadership development and work-based learning for first-generation Hispanic students in Pulaski and Saline counties — starting before foundational academic decisions have already shaped a student's eligibility. This program aims to increase knowledge of postsecondary pathways and expand access to opportunities, and to strengthen parent capacity to advocate for their students.

Mijo
Cohort Program

A year-long, cohort-based college access initiative preparing high-achieving, low-income, first-generation students to gain admission to — and thrive at — selective colleges and universities. In partnership with Matchlighters Scholars, each student is matched with a dedicated counselor and mentor for the full academic year. This program aims to prepare high-achieving students to gain admission to selective colleges through a yearlong, one-on-one counseling and mentorship. All while involving parents throughout the entire process.

Consulta Educativa
One-on-One Advising Sessions

Consulta Educativa is a one-on-one advising service from Mamás Unidas LR for students and families across Arkansas navigating the college process. Sessions are personalized to the student's grade level and immigration status and are available in Spanish and English, in person or online. To provide every student a personalized plan of action and support through the college enrollment process — tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.

Manos a la Obra
Work-based learning & opportunity access

Connects students to volunteer opportunities, internships, job shadows, leadership training, and professional conferences through partnerships with local businesses — building the professional networks many first-generation students lack. Connecting students to career exposure opportunities that strengthen college and career applications and build broader professional networks.

Líderes del Futuro
Leadership Academy

A six-session leadership development program cultivating civic awareness, personal agency, communication skills, and community responsibility in youth — strengthening both college applications and long-term capacity to lead. Increases student confidence, self-efficacy, and readiness for postsecondary environments. and beyond.

Venciendo el ACT
ACT Test Preparation Boot Camp

A four-week intensive ACT preparation program delivered across four consecutive Saturdays, removing the cost barrier that puts private tutoring out of reach for many first-generation families. Improves ACT composite scores for greater access to merit-based scholarships.

Todo Sobre la Universidad
College Readiness and Exploration

A flexible, year-round initiative that pairs practical college-readiness instruction with direct exposure to campuses and admissions professionals — open to any student or family at any point in the process. Provides hands-on exposure to the college landscape so that college feels like a concrete, navigable path rather than an abstract or intimidating unknown.

And many more!

Alcance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the community through education, technology and leadership programs. Alcance offers GED classes, computer classes, leadership and personal development workshops and financial education workshops. As a transformative initiative, they strengthen Latino communities and families through their programs and resources in an effort to cultivate strong leaders who drive positive change.

Volunteers offer comprehensive leadership to help participants reach their full potential. Ayme Villanueva, founder of Alcance, is convinced that by supporting the most vulnerable families, regardless of their age, Alcance can transform the lives of their families and future generations. Each individual has the inherent potential for growth. Therefore, Alcance respects, values and uplifts all those they serve, guiding them toward a better future filled with hope and opportunity.

Paloma provides scholarships for students who are motivated and aspire to earn their diplomas and make a positive impact on society. Paloma's events not only raise funds for scholarships but also strengthen connections, celebrate culture and foster inclusion across Central Arkansas.

This organization steps into the gap for students without access to traditional government aid like scholarships, grants, or loans for college.