Gabriela Febres and Ali Arellano are partners in life and in business. Ali is from Venezuela and has been an entrepreneur since moving to the United States about 10 years ago. Gabriela and Ali gained experience running a business in Venezuela before starting ArepaZone, but they needed guidance in navigating the start-up process in their new home.
The couple noticed a place in the market for Venezuelan arepas – a delicious flatbread made of corn and filled with different ingredients. They reached out to the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) for technical assistance and guidance in applying for financing.