The Barelas Economic Opportunity Center (BEOC)
Provides a complete array of educational services and programs designed to improve the educational opportunities and experience of Hispanic and community members in order to create a job ready and well trained employee base for both small and large companies in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Comprised of a state of the art computer lab and two additional classrooms equipped with smart boards and video broadcast capability, the BEOC also offers working partnerships with many resources and partners such as the Small Business Administration, the New Mexico Department of Labor, Qwest, the Workforce Connection of Central NewMexico, the National Council of La Raza, Comcast, and Youth Development, Inc. Designed to address the training, employment and entrepreneurial needs of the business community, the BEOC affords the AHCC member an invaluable roster of resources and services.
The BEOC provides a variety of classes in:
* Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook at no cost to members.
* Computer Essentials Sponsored by Comcast – computer basics training at no cost
* How to apply for a job with the federal government - USA Jobs Sponsored by KAFB
* Pathway’s to Careers - Resume Writing - Interview Skills - Customer Service Skills
* Basic marketing and Customized small business workshops.
* Member incumbent employee trainings.
* Small Business Consultation
* Facebook Marketing & Advertising for your Business
* Public Speaking – AHCC Toastmasters Club
In addition, in partnership with Youth Development Inc., and the National Council of La Raza, the BEOC provides training to unemployed members of the community for targeted industries on the West Side and the South Valley of Albuquerque. In addition, computer classes, offered at no cost to members, are part of the value added benefits of membership. Through a partnership with Comcast, community residents can attend free computer classes in AHCC’s state of the art computer lab.
The Chamber continues to Grow
Adding services to all its members; The Barelas Economic Opportunity Center has trained nearly 8000 students in workforce, small business training and computer skills since 2010.
Kirtland Air Force Base Is Open For Business at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce! If a small business has questions about "how to do Business with Kirtland Air Force Base?”, regarding RFP's, Fed Biz Op's, etc.? The BEOC has partnered with KAFB’s Small Business Programs Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center to hold business hours every second Tuesday of the month, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SmallBizOps Day - Major Partner Kirtland Air Force Base
SmallBizOps a Small Business focused event that provide Technical Assistance Resources, Access to Capital and Procurement opportunities, open discussions and listening sessions, which specifically addresses upcoming educational opportunities and classes requested by participants, in addition to any other topics suggested by the Small Businesses. SmallBizOps Day provides opportunities for the government and large contractors to network with small business owners, provides a mini expo with buyers.
Education and Scholarships
The BEOC works in concert with the AHCC Education Committee to fundraise and manage a Scholarship Program for high school seniors and nontraditional students that awards between $80,000 and $120,000 each year. The BEOC has developed initiatives and partnerships with
Comcast, the City of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College, the Barelas Community Development Corp., the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the University of New Mexico, and local school systems to improve educational opportunity and achievement for students at all levels. The Chamber has awarded nearly 1.5 Million dollars in scholarships.
“Our focus is Economic Development, workforce, developing a world-class, job ready employee base for our membersand the community, Small Business Advocacy and Education, the premier resource center and campus where entrepreneurs and community gathers to be trained and make meaningful connections.”
For more information, contact Synthia Jaramillo, BEOC Director (505) 842-9003, synthia@ahcnm.org .