La Fuente Business Center (lafuentebusinesscenter.org), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and families, is celebrating two years of providing bilingual financial education, business training, technical assistance and community support in Council Bluffs.
Since opening its doors in Council Bluffs, Iowa, La Fuente has expanded its mission to address the evolving needs of the Latino community. Following the closure of Centro Latino of Iowa, the organization stepped into a greater leadership role by offering services that promote economic stability, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being.
Today, La Fuente serves 75 program participants and 8 local small businesses, providing all services in both Spanish and English. In addition to business development and financial education, the organization offers on-site English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and mental health education, with a special focus on supporting Latina women.
Recent economic changes have placed additional pressure on many immigrant families, especially women with children, limited English proficiency, and little access to financial education. La Fuente helps participants build the skills and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions, strengthen their businesses and improve their long-term economic stability.
“English is a strong barrier for the Latino community to fully participate in entrepreneurship and personal finance education,” said Maria Baez, Program Manager. “Women are often the ones managing their household budgets, yet they have fewer opportunities to access financial knowledge in their own language. Our goal is to remove those barriers by providing education, trusted guidance, and resources that empower families and small business owners.”
La Fuente Business Center operates in Council Bluffs from the ground floor of Habitat for Humanity Council Bluffs, which has generously provided office space since 2024. This partnership has created an accessible community hub where residents can receive education, business assistance, and supportive services in a welcoming environment.
La Fuente’s programs are made possible through the generous support of the Weitz Family Foundation, Iowa West Foundation, and United Way of the Midlands. Their investment helps expand opportunities for low-income, Spanish-speaking families and immigrant entrepreneurs across Southwest Iowa.
As La Fuente Business Center celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to helping Latino families and small businesses thrive through education, opportunity, and community partnership.
About La Fuente Business Center
La Fuente Business Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides bilingual financial education, business training, technical assistance, ESL instruction, and community-based support to immigrant entrepreneurs and Latino families.
For more information, contact Maria Baez, Program Manager at La Fuente Business Center via email info@lafuentebusinesscenter.org or by phone at (402) 933-4466.