FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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Christina Villarreal

Executive Director

c.villarreal@latinosintransit.org

LIT Concludes Inaugural Small Business Academy Pilot Program, Empowering Transit Industry Entrepreneurs

The academy welcomed 16 participants who demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth and small business development.

Covina, CA – December 18, 2025 – Latinos In Transit (LIT) successfully concluded its first-ever Small Business Academy cohort, marking a significant milestone in supporting small business development within the transit industry. This pilot program, launched in June 2025, provided essential tools, knowledge, and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The six-month certification program was spearheaded by LIT Board Member Anthony Valdiosera, President and CEO of VST Engineering, in collaboration with a dedicated committee. Under their leadership, the academy delivered nine hours of comprehensive digital training across six interactive sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours and featuring dedicated Q&A components.

“Congratulations to all of the participants who successfully completed the inaugural Small Business Academy. Your dedication helped establish a strong and impactful first year for this program,” Valdiosera said. “As I look ahead to the 2026 Small Business Academy, I am excited to introduce updates shaped by feedback from the Small Business Committee and to continue expanding an inclusive program that supports both current small business owners and those interested in starting a business in the future.”

Program Highlights
The LIT Small Business Academy addressed key business fundamentals through six targeted modules:

1. Developing a Statement of Capabilities and conducting a SWOT analysis

2. Building business credit

3. Exploring alternative sources of financing

4. Understanding government resources (SBA, DOT, EX-IM Bank, ITA, and SAM registration)

5. Identifying private sector procurement opportunities

6. Strengthening online presence through websites, social media, and SEO

As part of the program, LIT provided participants with a Quick Reference Guide for New Entrepreneurs, a comprehensive resource featuring:

• Section I: Keywords to Know – Common acronyms and essential business terminology to help entrepreneurs communicate confidently with partners and agencies; and

• Section II: Steps to Take as a New Small Business Owner – Practical guidance on business registration, credit building, and certifications that support funding and contracting opportunities.

Recognizing Our Participants
The academy welcomed 16 participants who demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth and small business development: Alberto Marino (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority), Anthony Valdiosera (VST Engineering), Carlos Balderas (CapMetro), Christian Londono (ETA Transit Systems), Janeen Obeid (Oasis Consulting Team Inc), Jose Calvillo (Sunset Vans Inc.), Juan Carlos Hernandez (Mott MacDonald), Lawrence Trevino (CapMetro), Lina Aragon (Palm Tran), Ozzie Gonzalez (P3 Consulting), Sherena Hussain (FleetZero Inc.), Somayeh Moazzeni (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), Tony Jackson (Transit Marketing Group), and Wilson Ribadeneira (Systra).

Special recognition goes to Marino, Aragon, and Hussain, who completed five or more sessions and earned full program certification. Each completed session resulted in a LIT Small Business Academy digital certificate of completion.

Looking Ahead
The virtual format provided flexibility and accessibility to LIT members across locations, with sessions running monthly from June through December 2025 (with a break in August). Building on the success of this pilot, LIT is gathering participant feedback to refine and formalize programming for future cohorts.

“At LIT, we work every day to support the evolution and innovation of the transit industry, and that includes providing tools and resources to small business leaders who are integral to our community,” said Fernanda Uribe-Canseco, LIT Program Administrator, who facilitated the academy. “This pilot year of the Small Business Academy helped guide entrepreneurs starting their first business, those planning to launch in the future, and experienced business owners seeking updated resources and strategic guidance.”

The academy is offered at no cost to LIT members as part of the organization’s commitment to delivering added value and supporting small business growth. Business owners interested in future sessions are encouraged to become LIT Small Business members.

2026 Small Business Academy – Call for Proposals
LIT has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2026 Small Business Academy, inviting transit agencies, consultants, trainers, universities, and resource partners to submit programming proposals. The submission deadline is February 15, 2026.

For full details and to access the RFP, visit: Link to RFP.

For more information about the LIT Small Business Academy, please visit www.latinosintransit.org or contact f.uribe@latinosintransit.org. 

About Latinos In Transit

Latinos In Transit (LIT) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing opportunities for professionals in the public transportation industry through workforce development, leadership training, mentorship, and education. LIT continues to expand its reach as it supports individuals and agencies working to build a diverse and skilled transit workforce.

Learn more at www.latinosintransit.org.