WMU and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber empower local entrepreneurs through bilingual accounting bootcamp

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— What began as a pandemic-era need has evolved into a powerful community partnership between Western Michigan University (WMU) and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC). Together, the organizations launched a five-week bilingual accounting bootcamp designed to equip Hispanic small business owners with the knowledge and support necessary to grow their businesses—and strengthen the regional economy. 

Funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation, this initiative addresses a gap that WMHCC first identified during COVID-19 relief efforts, when many Hispanic-owned businesses struggled to access aid due to limited financial literacy and lack of formal bookkeeping documentation. 

“It became clear that we weren’t just dealing with an education gap—we were facing a challenge of long-term viability and sustainability for our businesses,” says Kaylee Moreno Burke, senior director of programs and strategy at WMHCC. “Our members needed hands-on learning paired with sustained support. After piloting several formats, we landed on the idea of an accounting bootcamp, and WMU proved to be the ideal educational partner—bringing subject matter expertise and bilingual faculty who could meet our community where they are.” 

The bootcamp, hosted at WMU’s Grand Rapids campus, helps participants take charge of their business finances through hands-on instruction in accounting strategies, tax and bookkeeping fundamentals, and data-driven decision-making tools. All instruction is provided in both English and Spanish, and upon completion, participants continue working one-on-one with WMHCC’s finance team for 12 months to reinforce learning and implement best practices. 

“We’re committed to fostering inclusive, impactful education beyond our campus walls,” says Joanne Roehm, director of WMU-Grand Rapids. “This program demonstrates WMU’s mission in action: Using our academic strengths to meet real community needs and broaden who we serve through accessible, high-quality instruction.” 

Participants praised the content and structure of the program, noting that they are now: 

"This class opened my eyes to how I was running my business,” said Manny, owner of J&M Construction Services LLC. “I used to have all my finances mixed together, but now I’m working on separating them so I can really see how each part of the business is performing. I’m using financial information to guide my decisions, not just track my expenses."

WMU’s Haworth College of Business instructors Dr. Dave Watson, assistant professor of accountancy, and Dr. Jim Penner, chair and associate professor of accountancy, helped shape and deliver the curriculum in collaboration with WMHCC.  

“This program was a chance to do more than teach theory—it was about translating accounting into action,” says Watson. “As a bilingual instructor, it’s been meaningful to deliver this content in Spanish and help eliminate language as a barrier to business growth. Seeing participants grow in confidence and take ownership of their financial knowledge has been a real highlight of this experience.”  

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing entrepreneurs recognize the value of financial insight,” says Penner. “We’re helping them understand the numbers that drive their businesses—and giving them tools to make smarter decisions every day.” 

The final session of this cohort is scheduled for Monday, May 19. Following the success of this inaugural cohort, WMU and WMHCC plan to offer the bootcamp twice a year. Applications for the fall 2025 session will open soon.  

“We’ve found the right formula—education paired with ongoing support,” says Burke. “It’s not just about growing businesses; it’s about creating new pathways for professional growth and community investment.” 

For more information or to apply for the upcoming fall bootcamp, visit the WMHCC Accounting Services and Education website.  

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