News / Press Releases

Washington, DC — The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) today announced the launch of The Flourish Collective, a new cohort-based program made possible through support from the Eva Longoria Foundation and José Andrés’, Longer Tables Fund.

The Flourish Collective will support five upcoming cohorts of food entrepreneurs over the next two years, reaching approximately 100 to 150 participants through a two-part program that brings together LEDC’s Wealth & Wellness curriculum and its Food Ventures Initiative Incubator and Accelerator. It aims to equip participants with tailored technical assistance, hands-on business and financial training, mentorship, and access to affordable capital, providing the tools they need to build and grow successful food ventures.

The program’s ultimate goal is to uplift food entrepreneurs—, whose creativity and leadership are transforming the region’s food economy from the ground up- . with a special focus on Latinas and women from communities across the DMV.

This major expansion of our program offerings is supported by Eva Longoria and José Andrés and powered by the Bezos Courage and Civility Award, which recognizes visionary leaders working to address today's seemingly intractable problems. Two champions of local economic opportunity who believe deeply in food as a driver of culture, creativity, and economic mobility, Eva’s and José’s investment underscores a shared message: Food Is Power.

In Washington, DC, 90% of restaurants are small, locally owned businesses, many run by entrepreneurs who contribute to local culture, job creation, and community vitality. Despite of this, these entrepreneurs continue to face persistent barriers to capital, mentorship, and technical training— barriers that hamper growth and limit long-term sustainability.

By launching the Flourish Collective, LEDC aims to strengthen the Greater Washington region’s food entrepreneurship ecosystem, ensuring that more women entrepreneurs have the opportunities, resources, and support they need to thrive.

“Food has always been a source of culture and connection, but it is also a powerful economic engine,” said Emi Reyes, CEO of LEDC. “With the Flourish Collective, we are expanding opportunity for women food entrepreneurs across the region and giving them the platform to turn their ideas into lasting economic mobility. LEDC is grateful for the support of Eva Longoria and Jose Andres, whose belief in the power of food and local entrepreneurship makes this work possible. Together, we are uplifting the leaders who are building the future of the DMV’s food economy.”

"I am so excited to join my friend José Andrés in supporting this initiative from LEDC,” said actor, activist, and philanthropist Eva Longoria. “We both know that when we invest in these entrepreneurs, their recipes become businesses, their kitchens create jobs, and their dreams lift communities."

“I’m thrilled to partner with LEDC and my friend Eva Longoria in lifting up the food entrepreneurs who give the DMV its flavor and its future,” said chef and humanitarian José Andrés. “And because women have always been the ones who feed the world, investing in their success means building longer tables and nourished communities for all.”

This collaboration celebrates opportunity, unity, and culture, while reinforcing the shared belief that local food entrepreneurs are essential cultural and economic drivers, shaping the identity of the DMV region while creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, building community wealth and shared prosperity.

Contact:
Jaime Segui - Communications Associate, LEDC
[email protected]