We Are ALX’s annual celebration of Latino entrepreneurship returned to Roundhead Brewing Company, featuring 30 local businesses and four finalists competing for the $10,000 top prize
Boston, MA – May 28, 2025 – We Are ALX, the Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to accelerating Latino leadership and economic opportunity, today announced Cremosos Gourmet Ice Cream as the winner of the 2026 ALX Business Pitch Competition. The competition was held on Sunday, May 25, at Roundhead Brewing Company as part of the ALX Mercado, a vibrant community marketplace showcasing 30 Latino-owned small businesses. Cremosos Gourmet Ice Cream received a $10,000 prize.
Founded by Enmanuel Almonte, Cremosos Gourmet Ice Cream produces all-natural, tropical-inspired frozen pops already available in supermarkets, bodegas, and through distributors across Massachusetts. The win comes with support to help Almonte and his team accelerate production and expand their footprint, bringing the flavors of the community to more shelves statewide.
The ALX Mercado drew hundreds of attendees for a full day of shopping, live music, a domino tournament, and celebration. Four finalist businesses competed before a panel of judges: Betty Francisco, CEO of Boston Impact Initiative; Melissa Luna, VP of Site Success at GreenLight Fund; Mark J. Colleta, VP and Community Development Market Manager MA at Citizens; and Diego Portillo, Director at the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The event was hosted by award-winning broadcaster José Massó.
“Latino-owned businesses are the backbone of our communities and a driving force in Massachusetts’ economy, and that’s exactly what we celebrate at the ALX mercado and pitch competition,” said Eneida Román, President & CEO. “Cremosos Gourmet Ice Cream is a perfect example of the talent and determination that exists in our community. We could not be prouder to help accelerate their growth.”
In 2025, a report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation in partnership with We Are ALX found that nearly 60,000 businesses in Massachusetts are Hispanic/Latino-owned, a 23 percent increase since 2022.
“Latino-owned businesses are an essential part of Massachusetts’ economy, creating jobs, bringing new ideas to market and helping communities thrive across the state,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Investing in Latino entrepreneurs means investing in the future growth and competitiveness of Massachusetts, especially as we work to build a more dynamic and inclusive business ecosystem. Organizations like We Are ALX play an important role in helping entrepreneurs access networks, leadership opportunities and the support they need to grow and succeed.”
The 2026 ALX Business Pitch Competition was made possible through the sponsorship of Citizens and its Small Business Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF), which pairs capital with mentorship and training to help businesses scale and create lasting opportunity in Massachusetts communities.
“Supporting small businesses is critical to building strong local economies,” said Lisa Murray, President of Massachusetts at Citizens. “Through Citizens’ Small Business Economic Opportunity Fund and partnerships like We Are ALX, we’re helping founders access the capital, mentorship, and resources they need to grow and succeed. We congratulate Cremosos Gourmet Ice on winning the ALX Pitch Competition and look forward to its continued growth.”
We Are ALX also recognized the commitment of all four pitch competition finalists, Roundhead Brewing Company for donating event space, and the 30 small businesses whose participation made the Mercado a marketplace of Latino flavor, craft, and creativity.
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About We Are ALX
Formerly Amplify LatinX, We Are ALX is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit formed in 2017 by The Latina Circle, Inc. that serves as a non-partisan, collaborative convener advancing Latino leadership representation, economic prosperity, and civic engagement.
