Brought to you by our Presenting Sponsors:
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WHERE
Walter E. Washington Convention Center Expo Floor | Ballroom B & C Workshops | Ballroom C Executive Luncheon | Ballroom A |
WHEN
Thursday, May 21st, 2026 Expo Floor from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9:00 am Executive Luncheon at 12:00 pm |
GWHCC Business Expo
Join us at our biggest event of the year and connect with the region's leading businesses.
The GWCC Business Expo has become the region’s premier event connecting minority-owned businesses with potential clients and organizations that support their growth. A once in a year opportunity to have your business on display among these powerful resources.
Why attend?
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- Connect with the Local Hispanic Business Community – According to Nielson, if it were a standalone country, the US Hispanic market’s buying power would be a top-20 world economy. Ranked the nation’s fourth fastest growing market, the Washington metro area Hispanic market greatly impacts/influences this standing. The Expo is an excellent opportunity to meet leaders of the Hispanic business community face‐to‐face and establish the relationships that would allow your business to gain access to the local Hispanic market.
- Meet Buyers and Decision Makers – Interact with over 100 exhibitors that will be showcasing their businesses. Additionally, the Business Matchmaking Sessions will allow you to meet decision makers that purchase goods and services in local and federal government agencies, large organizations and corporations.
- Attend Business Workshops – Topics will include Marketing to Hispanics, How to Do Business with DC, MD, and VA Governments, Learning from Successful Hispanic Business-Owners, Federal Procurement, Overseas Investment Opportunities, and more.
- Explore International Business Opportunities – Latin American Embassies will be present to showcase unique business opportunities.
- Get covered - Get informed and enroll yourself, your family or business in the District's health exchange with DC Health Link.
Executive Luncheon
Each year the Business Expo features a high-profile VIP Executive Luncheon that brings C-Suite executives and corporate leaders together. This portion of the expo is an opportunity to listen to some incredible speakers. Plus, a networking opportunity where you get the word out about your business to some of the most prominent people in the community that you may otherwise not be able to get in front of.
Power at the Table: Latina Leaders Shaping the Restaurant Industry
This year’s Executive Luncheon brings together a dynamic group of Latina leaders who are redefining the restaurant industry through innovation, resilience, and vision. In an intimate setting with over 400 executives, panelists will share their journeys—from launching concepts and scaling brands to navigating access to capital, overcoming barriers, and leading with purpose. This conversation offers a rare and powerful look into the experiences of Latinas at the forefront of one of the nation’s most competitive industries.
Power at the Table: Latina Leaders Shaping the Restaurant Industry
This year’s Executive Luncheon brings together a dynamic group of Latina leaders who are redefining the restaurant industry through innovation, resilience, and vision. In an intimate setting with over 400 executives, panelists will share their journeys—from launching concepts and scaling brands to navigating access to capital, overcoming barriers, and leading with purpose. This conversation offers a rare and powerful look into the experiences of Latinas at the forefront of one of the nation’s most competitive industries.
This years Executive Luncheon will be held in the Walter E Washington Convention Center, Ballroom A, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
PITCH YOUR BIZ COMPETITIONPitch Your Business at the GWHCC Business Expo.
Apply, and you may be one of the 10 selected businesses that will pitch their Biz in front of a LIVE crowd! A panel of judges chosen from the local entrepreneurial community will judge the competition. The top three winners will earn cash prizes valued at $500, $400, and $300, Chrome laptops, and DoorDash gift cards. All small businesses are eligible! APPLY BY 5:00 PM ON May 8th, 2026 |
All applicants must be available to present their business pitch in person in the first round and the final round. Terms and Conditions apply.
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Business Matchmaking Sessions
Take your networking to the next level at the GWHCC Business Expo. The Business Matchmaking Sessions are designed to eliminate guesswork and connect you with the right people, not just more people.
Through a structured, pre-scheduled format, participants are matched based on shared interests, industry, and business objectives. Instead of wandering the Expo floor hoping for the right conversation, you’ll engage in targeted, one-on-one meetings that maximize your time and impact.
Business matchmaking is a proven strategy that helps companies build partnerships, generate leads, and expand their networks efficiently by connecting attendees with relevant contacts in advance.
Application Process
Why Participate (Use / Benefits)
Business matchmaking sessions are designed to create meaningful, high-value interactions that drive real business outcomes—turning introductions into opportunities.
Through a structured, pre-scheduled format, participants are matched based on shared interests, industry, and business objectives. Instead of wandering the Expo floor hoping for the right conversation, you’ll engage in targeted, one-on-one meetings that maximize your time and impact.
Business matchmaking is a proven strategy that helps companies build partnerships, generate leads, and expand their networks efficiently by connecting attendees with relevant contacts in advance.
Application Process
- Complete the Application Form
Submit your business profile, goals, and the types of connections you’re looking to make.
https://forms.gle/eS7W1y9xJn3dSAGn8 - Profile Review & Matching
Our team reviews all submissions and carefully matches participants based on alignment in industry, needs, and opportunities. - Receive Your Meeting Schedule
Before the Expo, you’ll receive a customized schedule of one-on-one meetings with your matched connections. - Attend Your Sessions Onsite
Join your scheduled meetings during the Expo and start building meaningful relationships.
Why Participate (Use / Benefits)
- Targeted Connections: Meet businesses that align with your goals—not random contacts
- Time Efficiency: Pre-scheduled meetings eliminate wasted time and maximize productivity
- Lead Generation: Connect with potential clients, partners, and collaborators in a focused setting
- Strategic Networking: Move beyond casual conversations into purposeful, results-driven interactions
- Business Growth: Build partnerships that can lead to contracts, collaborations, and long-term success
Business matchmaking sessions are designed to create meaningful, high-value interactions that drive real business outcomes—turning introductions into opportunities.
Why Exhibit?
The GWHCC Annual Business Expo provides the opportunity for you to showcase your business to over 1,000 potential new customers. Launched in 2010, the Business Expo is one of our region's prime events to connect multi-cultural owned businesses to companies and clients who want to do business with them. Capitalize on this unique opportunity to reach one of the fastest growing Hispanic markets in the country.
The Business EXPO is the time to:
- Increase business awareness and credibility.
- Showcase existing and/or new products/services.
- Sell products/services – “cash and carry” allowed and encouraged.
- Make key business contacts and “seal the deal”. People do business with people they know!
- Network with other exhibitors and attendees
- Promote employment opportunities.
Exhibitor Booth Rates:
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On Site Benefits Include:
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Why Sponsor?
This is your opportunity to target the nation's largest minority group.
When you invest in our community, you invest in your success. The Business Expo is just one of many programs and initiatives that supports the Chamber’s mission to build community through business. Your sponsorship of the Expo will help position you as a leader in the GWHCC business community and help us create more opportunities for business growth and success.
When you invest in our community, you invest in your success. The Business Expo is just one of many programs and initiatives that supports the Chamber’s mission to build community through business. Your sponsorship of the Expo will help position you as a leader in the GWHCC business community and help us create more opportunities for business growth and success.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR 2026 SPONSORS
GWHCC TRUSTEES
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President's Club
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Leading Sponsor
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Registration Area Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Executive Luncheon Sponsors
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Corporate Sponsor
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Small Business Health Sponsor
Breakfast Area Sponsor
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Small Business Village Sponsors
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Marketing and Media Sponsors
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For more information contact GWHCC at [email protected] or call 202-728-0352.
*No refunds or reimbursements. General Attendance is FREE and open to all. As this is an adult-focused event, children are not allowed unless otherwise instructed by the GWHCC organizers.
*No refunds or reimbursements. General Attendance is FREE and open to all. As this is an adult-focused event, children are not allowed unless otherwise instructed by the GWHCC organizers.
