NBC29Bilingual Magazine Aimed to Unite New Citizens and Business

Bilingual Magazine Aimed to Unite New Citizens and Business

Central Virginia has lots of new businesses and new citizens. A new magazine aims to bring those two together.

Forward Magazine puts businesses on display in two languages. "We want to take the American business owners and connect them directly with this growing Hispanic business arena," explained Ivo Tomasini with Forward Magazine.

The magazine gives business owners access to the growing Hispanic population and it gives Hispanics and other immigrants tips on opening businesses of their own.  Tomasini said, "The main purpose of forward is to showcase entrepreneurialism, to gather the stories of entrepreneurs how they started, what are their struggles, what are their trials and errors..."

Dragana Katalina Sun immigrated to the United States in 1999 and is the co-owner of two small businesses, including Nicola's Veggies.  She says she's happy to have a resource to help people start up their own businesses.  "With any kind of business I believe it's great to have a magazine or some kind of resource local that will guide you and support you towards the plan that you want to do," she stated.

One goal is to help employers with Spanish speaking workers. Partner company English for Success is one resource. 

"I'm trying to get the Hispanics to learn the language of business here. The language of businesses here is English.  And for them to be successful in this arena they have to learn how to speak English, they have to learn how to relate to this community, and to know what services are available to them here," stated English for Success' Hazael Garay.

With this magazine, they hope it will be a step toward a growing community moving forward together.

Reported by Tracy Clemons
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