INVESTING IN WHAT’S NEXT
Turning mentorship into momentum.
The Old Ways, New Hands journey is about more than sharing knowledge. It’s about giving the next generation of Latin food and beverage entrepreneurs the tools, resources, and opportunities to turn what they’ve learned into meaningful business growth.
As part of the 2026 program, and in collaboration with El Tequileño Tequila, each of our five entrepreneurs was awarded a $5,000 business grant to invest directly into the next stage of their business—from expanding production and preparing products for retail to strengthening operations, developing teams, and reaching new customers.
Together, we’re investing $25,000 in five entrepreneurs—and five distinct visions for what comes next.
THE MOMENT IT BECAME REAL
Hear from our 2026 entrepreneurs.
What does it feel like to receive an investment in the future of your business?
Just after receiving their Old Ways, New Hands grants, our 2026 entrepreneurs sat down to share their first reactions, what the moment meant to them, and how they plan to turn this opportunity into their next stage of growth.
FROM VISION TO ACTION
See how the 2026 class is putting their grants to work.
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HENRY BLANCO - Founder, El Viejo Central American Kitchen
Henry is focused on strengthening the El Viejo experience while creating new opportunities for the brand to grow. His plans include developing an in-restaurant Mercado El Viejo featuring branded merchandise, refreshing elements of the restaurant and creating new professional content to showcase the business across digital and marketing channels.
FOCUS: Guest Experience • Merchandise • Brand Growth
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FERNANDA GOVAZ - CEO & Founder, Celzo Functional Agua Fresca
For Celzo, the next chapter is all about expanding its retail presence. Fernanda plans to support new grocery launches through consumer sampling, stronger in-store merchandising, targeted digital marketing and retailer outreach designed to introduce Celzo to more shoppers and markets.
FOCUS: Retail Expansion • Consumer Awareness • Market Growth
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ALEJANDRO MACIAS CANALES - Founder, Qué Sazón
Alejandro is preparing Qué Sazón for its next stage by investing in both the systems behind the business and the products in front of the customer. His plans include streamlining recipes, inventory and workflows, building greater awareness through content and digital marketing, and completing the steps necessary to prepare Qué Sazón’s salsa for retail.
FOCUS: Operations • Marketing • Retail-Ready Products
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EDWIN SANDOVAL - Chef & Owner, Xatrucho
Edwin plans to invest in the people and experiences behind Xatrucho. His focus includes expanded team training across culinary execution, catering, private dining, events and sales, alongside marketing and business development efforts designed to introduce Xatrucho to new audiences and create more catering and event opportunities.
FOCUS: Team Development • Events & Catering • Business Growth
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NORMA ZUNIGA - Founder, Dulce Dreams Café
Norma is investing directly in production. By adding equipment that reduces the time required to manually divide and shape dough, Dulce Dreams Café can increase capacity, expand its product offering and build the operational foundation needed to pursue future wholesale opportunities.
FOCUS: Production • Product Expansion • Wholesale Growth
MORE THAN A MENTORSHIP
Old Ways, New Hands was created to help Latin entrepreneurs move their businesses forward without losing sight of the culture, traditions, and stories that inspired them.
The 2026 grants turn that mission into action—giving each entrepreneur the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, invest in an immediate business need, and continue building toward what comes next.
Their mentorship may have brought them together, but where they take it from here is entirely their own.