As we gear up for the Latina Entrepreneurship Conference, tune in to hear from experts with real-world experience in business and entrepreneurship.

 

 

Meet Victoria Lara, Director of Economic Development for Harris County Precinct 2 under Commissioner Adrian Garcia. She plays a key role in driving economic development initiatives across the region.

 

 

 

Let’s hear what she has to say!

 

What is one key piece of information about business development that you believe every entrepreneur should know?

 

“Business development is about building long-term value, not just making short-term sales.

Every entrepreneur should know that relationships, strategy, and timing are just as critical as your product or service. Successful business development is about understanding your customer’s needs, aligning with market opportunities, and positioning yourself for sustainable growth—not just the next contract.”

 

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey regarding business development?

 

“Startups: Focus on clarity—know who your customer is and why they need you. Invest in relationships and build your reputation before you need it.

 

Growth Stage: Systematize—start tracking data, refining your sales pipeline, and leveraging partnerships.

 

Established: Diversify—explore new markets, develop strategic alliances, and create scalable service offerings.

 

At every stage, stay rooted in your values and your mission—especially if you’re serving historically underrepresented communities.”

 

What common mistakes do you see entrepreneurs make in business development, and how can they avoid them?

 

“One of the biggest mistakes is failing to follow up or nurture leads. Many entrepreneurs put energy into getting attention but don’t have a system to convert relationships into contracts. Another mistake is not knowing their numbers—costs, margins, or what it takes to break even.

Solution: Build a CRM early, follow up consistently, and know your business inside and out. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help—SCORE, SBDCs, and incubators like Biz2Empower exist to support you.”

 

Can you share insight on trends or changes you see coming in business development that entrepreneurs should be aware of?

 

“AI and automation are reshaping how we market, track leads, and manage customer service—entrepreneurs need to adopt tech tools early.

 

Public-private partnerships are growing—especially for MWBE businesses—so staying connected to government programs can open doors.

 

There’s also a growing demand for authenticity and community impact. Consumers want to support mission-driven businesses, especially minority- and women-owned.”

 

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs when it comes to building a strong network?

 

“Show up, follow up, and lift others as you climb.

Don’t just collect business cards—build relationships. Attend events, serve on committees, volunteer, and add value before you ask for anything. Your network is not just about opportunities—it’s about accountability, partnership, and growth.”

 

Looking back on your journey, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with fellow entrepreneurs about the importance of personal development?

 

“Your business can only grow as much as you do. Personal development—whether it’s leadership training, therapy, prayer, or learning from failure—is the foundation for resilience. I’ve learned that clarity of purpose, emotional intelligence, and faith are just as important as any business skill. Work on your mindset as hard as you work on your strategy.”

 

Thank you to Victoria for sharing her insights with us!