Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Contra Costa County

Podcast Episode Description: MEHKOs: A New Path for Food Entrepreneurs This podcast episode will explore the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) Act (AB 626), a California law passed in 2018 that allows home cooks to legally sell most types of food directly to the public from their home kitchens.

• The episode will begin by discussing the background of MEHKOs, including the Cottage Food Law, which allowed home cooks to sell baked goods and shelf-stable items.
• It will highlight the need for MEHKOs, focusing on how they provide a more accessible path to entrepreneurship for underserved populations who face barriers to entry in the traditional food industry.
• The podcast will examine the benefits of MEHKOs:
  • Economic Empowerment: MEHKOs offer a low-cost entry point for aspiring food entrepreneurs. The average startup cost for a MEHKO is just over $1,000, compared to $400,000 for a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant.
  • Food Access: MEHKOs can increase access to fresh, healthy, and culturally diverse food, particularly in food deserts.
  • Food Safety: MEHKOs are regulated by county health departments and require food safety manager certification, ensuring public health standards are met.
  • Innovation: MEHKOs foster culinary creativity and diversity, offering a platform for unique and culturally specific cuisines.
• The episode will also cover the restrictions associated with MEHKOs:
  • Meal Caps: MEHKOs are limited to selling 30 meals per day, 90 per week, with a maximum annual gross revenue of $100,000.
  • Same-Day Service: All food must be prepared, cooked, and served on the same day.
  • Direct Sales Only: Food from a MEHKO cannot be sold at events, farmers' markets, or through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash.
  • Prohibited Foods: MEHKOs are limited to low-risk food processes and cannot serve certain foods like raw oysters, homemade ice cream, or food containing THC or CBD.
• The podcast will guide listeners through the process of obtaining a MEHKO permit, including the requirements, costs, and resources available.
• The episode will also feature stories of successful MEHKO operators, highlighting the impact of this law on their lives and communities.
• Finally, the episode will explore the future of MEHKOs, discussing potential challenges and opportunities for growth and expansion.

This podcast episode will provide valuable information for anyone interested in starting a food business, supporting local food entrepreneurs, or learning about innovative approaches to food access and economic empowerment.

"Comunidad Conectada"  This Episode will introduce "Comunidad Conectada," a free membership program from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County designed to empower and support Hispanic businesses. Key program benefits highlighted in the overview will include:

• Networking: The program offers a variety of events, including "Speed Networking Sessions," "Industry-Specific Meetups," and "Virtual Coffee Chats" to help members connect and forge valuable business relationships. [1, 2]
• Business Promotion: "Comunidad Conectada" provides members with unique opportunities to promote their businesses, such as the "Business of the Month Highlight," "Member Spotlight Features," and "Social Media Takeovers," increasing their visibility and reach. 
• Educational Resources: Members can access "Bilingual Business Courses," "Leadership Development Programs," and "Customer Service Excellence Training" to enhance their skills and business acumen. 
• Online Resources: A curated digital library provides members with articles, webinars, and toolkits tailored to their business needs, offering valuable insights and information for decision-making. 
• Monthly Workshops: The program hosts workshops on topics like "Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth" and "Financial Planning for Small Businesses," providing practical advice from experts. 
• Advocacy and Representation: "Comunidad Conectada" keeps members informed on legislative updates, policy changes, and advocacy campaigns, ensuring they have a voice on relevant issues. [

During this interview, Daniel Chavarria and his son Marco Urbina discuss their experiences as small business owners, how they began their Amazon business, and the struggles they encountered dealing with the county.

Pedro Babaiak, nos habla da consejos para proteger nuestra seguridad cibernetica en los hogares

Ernie, La Tapatia owner shares with us what are the major challenges he is facing with his business in Contra Costa County

Ronnie Johnson and Carla Johnson talk about Ur Wothit, how their lives have changed since joining, and how they impact their community.
For more information : (925)768-5829 / (925) 787-0871

Conversamos con Bernardo Garcia uno de los fundadores de una novedosa aplicacion de pagos "Felix Pagos", nos explico las ventajas de esta plataforma y su expansion por todo el pais.
Mas informacion:
https://www.felixpago.com/

Jorge had helped the Hispanic Community for over 10years in financial services. Right now he is the Division Manager for Heartland Payment Solutions helping business owners on how to run their business more efficiently in providing solutions such as merchant services, payroll, hr, hiring, capital loans. Always up to help the Hispanic community and is proud of what he does.
Reach him at 925-640-8951

Today we spoke with Edder Barcenas an insurance agent that will talk about why is so important to have insurance for your business.
Contact us:[email protected]

We attended The California Hispanic Chamber of Commer’s Annual Convention In Palm Springs this Annual Statewide Convention is the largest regional business and networking event in the Nation for Hispanic and diverse business communities.
I spoke with Carlos Solorzano Northern Region Chairman and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco, Carlos has been working very actively with the chambers to develop and advocate for small businesses along the Northern region, let’s hear this interview that was taken at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco website: https://www.hccsf.com/
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County: www.h5c.us
[email protected]