What’s Sergio’s Why? Generational Success

How One Latino Entrepreneur is Leveraging Culture, Community, and the ICCC Program to Build a Thriving Business

By ICIC | October 16, 2024

Sergio Espinoza’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and a deep connection to his roots. As the founder of Manka Food Service Consulting and Design, Espinoza has built a thriving business that specializes in consulting, design, and project management for commercial kitchens. His journey, from managing restaurants to running a company that serves the food industry, is a story of growth born from necessity and driven by a desire to uplift his community.

Espinoza’s “why” is deeply rooted in generational success and giving back to the Latinx immigrant community. Growing up as an immigrant himself, Espinoza witnessed firsthand the challenges of starting fresh in a new country. His parents’ story, which began with a chance connection that allowed his father to pursue a career in music, has inspired him to create opportunities for others. As he explains, “What motivates me every day is that our work not only impacts our clients, but it also has a ripple effect on their kids. If our clients have a successful business, it will trickle down to their children, allowing them to follow their dreams or start another business of their own.”

Thriving in the Food Industry

Manka started small, with Espinoza identifying a gap in the market for Spanish-language food safety training. Over time, he expanded his services, responding to the needs of his clients, many of whom were small restaurant owners struggling with licensing, permitting, and funding challenges. What began as a side hustle soon grew into a thriving business, with a team of eight employees providing everything from kitchen design to securing loans for clients.

For Espinoza, connecting with his clients on a cultural level has been key to his success. His team’s ability to communicate in Spanish and Portuguese has allowed them to work closely with Latinx food entrepreneurs, many of whom feel more comfortable working with someone who understands their unique challenges and aspirations. This deep connection to his community is not just a business advantage—it’s a core part of his mission.

From Inspiration to Validation

The Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program has played a significant role in Espinoza’s journey. Nominated by a fellow Latinx business leader, Espinoza first participated in the program early on, when he was still learning the ropes of entrepreneurship. The program introduced him to critical resources, including access to capital, which he had not initially understood. “In 2019, when I first participated in ICCC, I didn’t even know what ‘access to capital’ really meant,” Espinoza recalls. “Now, it’s a critical part of my business strategy. ICCC gave me the inspiration and connections to get funding, which has been instrumental in helping me grow my company.” Since graduating from the program, Espinoza has remained connected to ICCC and participated in specialized programming like the Latinx cohort. Today, he uses the program’s resources for inspiration, continuing education, and networking.

One of the defining moments of Espinoza’s entrepreneurial journey was being named an IC100 winner, an opportunity he discovered through ICCC. Reflecting on the experience at ICIC’s 2023 Annual Conference, he describes the excitement of seeing his company rank in the top 20. For Espinoza, this recognition was more than just an award—it was a validation of the hard work he and his team had put into building Manka into a successful business. The IC100 award, recognizing a four-year revenue growth rate of more than 650%, solidified his belief that his company was not just a side project but a legitimate, impactful business making a difference in the community.

Fostering Success for this Generation and the Next

Looking to the future, Espinoza is enthusiastic about continuing to grow his business and furthering his impact. He remains committed to helping other Latinx entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the food industry, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to succeed. As he prepares to tackle new challenges, he reflects on the importance of programs like ICCC that provide entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive.

Espinoza’s advice to other small business owners is simple: build a strong team, invest in continuous learning, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. His focus on creating a positive team culture and developing long-term relationships with his clients mirrors his larger mission of fostering generational success within his community.

Through his work, Sergio Espinoza is not only building a business but also creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Latinx entrepreneurs for generations to come. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that entrepreneurship, combined with the right support and opportunities, can have on individuals, families, and communities.

About the IC100 Awards
Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.

Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.

About ICCC

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a tuition-free executive leadership training program designed by ICIC to help business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment. ICCC is uniquely designed to provide three critical elements for sustainable growth: capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and connections to capital and capital providers. ICCC annually hosts in-person and virtual cohorts across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more and apply visit icic.org/iccc.