Interise

As FIFA 2026 approaches, small businesses in the 11 U.S. host cities are preparing for the global spotlight—and the $1B+ in local economic impact it will bring.

In Philadelphia, we’re proud to partner with Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to ensure our 83 StreetWise MBA alumni are ready to compete and thrive.

💡 Read our latest blog on how we're preparing small businesses to seize the moment—locally and nationally: https://interise.org/news-and-notes/powering-inclusive-growth-in-philadelphia/

Interise was proud to take the stage at the 2025 United States Conference of Mayors this week and spotlight the vital role of established small businesses in building inclusive local economies.

Our Director of Research, Evaluation & Impact, Elizabeth Reynoso, shared powerful data and stories from our StreetWise MBA alumni:
- $262M+ in combined annual revenue (from just 250 businesses)
- 14 years in business on average
- 100% provide full-time jobs, averaging 4 new hires per expanding business
- $52K average salary for new employees

But she also raised urgent concerns that threaten the stability and growth of these established small businesses:
- Contract delays and federal funding freezes
- Strategic shifts away from DEIB language in procurement
- Increased pursuit of private sector and corporate contracts to survive

We were inspired to hear from leaders like Mayor Mattie Parker ( , TX) on what they are doing in their cities and highlighted practical solutions already in motion. One example, shared by Satya Rhodes-Conway ( , WI), is the Commercial Ownership Assistance Program—a city initiative that uses forgivable loans to help small businesses secure commercial property and build long-term wealth.

Our message to mayors: let’s work together to turn insights into action and better support second-stage small businesses—the backbone of resilient communities.

🎉 Congratulations to Gabriella Paez, winner of the inaugural Accelerate Pitch Competition at this year's hosted by our partner the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce!

Gabriella is a recent graduate of GPHCC's StreetWise MBA program, powered by Interise, and a true example of entrepreneurial resilience. She launched her hardscaping and landscaping business after a career in the nonprofit space—and remained fully committed to the program, even logging in for class the same day she gave birth. That kind of drive and dedication is what sets Interise graduates apart!

Our Director of Research, Evaluation & Impact Elizabeth Reynoso was proud to attend the Éxito Conference on behalf of Interise and connect with alumni, community members, and funders like Verizon, TD, and JPMorganChase. It was a powerful day of connection, collaboration, and celebration of small business growth in the region.

👏 Huge thanks to GPHCC for creating such a vibrant space for alumni to shine. We're honored to continue supporting this partnership and the incredible entrepreneurs it uplifts.