Augusto Sanabria (Prospera)
Overview
Augusto Sanabria is an Argentina-born economic development professional who currently serves as the President and CEO of Prospera, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses. Since taking on the role in 2009, Sanabria has significantly expanded Prospera's reach and resources, transforming it into a vital entity for Hispanic entrepreneurs across several U.S. states. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering economic growth and job creation within Hispanic communities, resulting in substantial economic impact.
Recent Developments
- 2024: Prospera expanded its services with the opening of a new office in Palm Beach County, FL, emphasizing its ongoing mission to support Hispanic entrepreneurs across multiple states. The organization celebrated its achievements with an event recognizing small Hispanic-owned businesses, further highlighting its commitment to economic development and community prosperity.
- 2023: Under Sanabria's leadership, Prospera launched a new website designed by BOLD Hispanic Marketing Agency. The site offers improved accessibility and multilingual support to better serve clients, reflecting Prospera's commitment to inclusivity. Additionally, Sanabria served as the Leadership Florida Board Secretary/Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair and received accolades as a Power Player by the Orlando Business Journal.
- 2021-2023: Prospera opened new offices in Atlanta, GA, Raleigh, NC, and Jacksonville, FL, marking a significant expansion of its services.
- Economic Impact: Over the last five years, Prospera facilitated over $70 million in loans, trained 17,000 entrepreneurs, and contributed to the creation or retention of over 16,000 jobs.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Augusto Sanabria |
| Born | Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Occupation | President & CEO of Prospera |
| Known For | Economic Development and Empowerment of Hispanic Entrepreneurs |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | MBA and BS in Business Administration, University of Central Florida |
Early Life and Education
Augusto Sanabria was born in Argentina, where he spent his early years before moving to the United States. He pursued higher education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration. His academic background laid a solid foundation in business principles, equipping him with the skills needed to excel in economic development and nonprofit management. This education, combined with his experiences growing up in a Hispanic community, likely influenced his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among Hispanic populations.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2003: Sanabria joined Prospera, originally known as the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, where he began his journey in economic development.
- 2009: He was appointed President and CEO of Prospera, a role in which he has led the organization through significant expansion.
- Growth Achievements: Under his leadership, Prospera's annual budget increased from $1 million to $6 million, and staff expanded from nine to over 40 employees.
- Community Impact: Prospera's reach has extended across three states, helping create an economic impact worth $4.9 billion, with over 47,000 jobs impacted.
- Awards: He has been recognized for his leadership and impact, receiving multiple awards, including the Orlando Business Journal's CEO of the Year Award (2016) and being named among Orlando's Power Brokers by the Orlando Sentinel.
Current Work and Impact
Augusto Sanabria continues to serve as the President and CEO of Prospera, tirelessly advocating for the success of Hispanic entrepreneurs. His work involves creating and sustaining partnerships with both public and private sector entities to provide essential services and resources to Hispanic-owned businesses. The ongoing impact of his work is evident in the expansion of services across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, helping a wide array of entrepreneurs achieve stability and growth.
Conclusion
Augusto Sanabria's leadership at Prospera has made a significant contribution to economic development in Hispanic communities across multiple states. His efforts have not only expanded Prospera's reach and resources but also transformed the economic landscape for Hispanic entrepreneurs. As Prospera looks ahead, its sustained growth and the legacy of empowerment Sanabria has cultivated will continue to drive prosperity within these communities, cementing his legacy in economic development and nonprofit leadership.