Scaling Beyond Barriers: A Path to Wealth Creation for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

What does it take to build an ecosystem where underrepresented entrepreneurs don’t just survive, but scale and thrive? For Marco Grgurevic, Managing Vice President of MAP Lab Initiatives & Business Growth Services, the answer lies in equity, strategy, and opportunity. His work is driven by a deep belief in leveling the playing field for businesses that have historically been overlooked, and by creating pathways to wealth that extend far beyond individual success. In this interview, Marco shares insights on how business support organizations can better equip growth-ready firms, why MAP Lab is a game-changer for Hispanic entrepreneurs, and what big wins are shaping their momentum in 2025.

Marco Grgurevic, Managing Vice President, MAP Lab Initiatives & Business Growth Services

What drives your work?

A strong belief in giving all businesses a fair chance—especially those that have historically been excluded or underrepresented—drives this work as more than just a requirement, but as a pathway to lasting change. This passion includes building bridges, whether by connecting local suppliers with new opportunities or fostering relationships that help entrepreneurs grow. At the same time, there’s a clear recognition that when more voices and businesses are included, communities benefit through greater innovation, stronger networks, and shared resilience.

How can business support organizations better serve business owners who are ready to grow?

Business support organizations can better serve high-potential entrepreneurs by moving beyond broad assistance and focusing on specialized services that drive scalability and competitiveness. This means offering advanced strategic guidance, connecting businesses with capital and procurement opportunities, and providing industry-specific insights to sharpen growth strategies. They also play a vital role in strengthening the ecosystem by linking entrepreneurs with legal, financial, marketing, and technology experts, as well as accelerators and universities. By equipping growth-ready firms with market intelligence and advocating for policies that remove systemic barriers, these organizations help ensure that promising businesses can thrive, create quality jobs, and strengthen the broader community.

What is the MAP Lab and why does it matter to the Hispanic community and/or business owners?

MAP Lab is an initiative focused on wealth creation for underrepresented businesses through mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships and franchise transactions. The MAP Lab seeks to provide deliberate and equitable growth opportunities to MBE owners and investors, increasing representation in a broader range of high growth industries and sectors. By connecting entrepreneurs with resources, financial tools, and expert guidance, MAP Lab reduces barriers to entry and creates clear pathways to sustainable expansion.

For the Hispanic community, MAP Lab’s work represents more than just business growth—it’s about empowerment, legacy, and opportunity. By opening doors to inorganic growth strategies, MAP Lab helps Hispanic entrepreneurs overcome barriers that have historically limited access to capital and markets. This matters because stronger businesses mean stronger families and communities, with the potential to build generational wealth, create jobs, and foster pride in seeing Hispanic-owned enterprises thrive at larger scales.

Biggest win of 2025?

GWS Solutions completed a capacity investment of $15M for the acquisition of Elevator Maintenance company

How do you plan to close out 2025 strong?

The goal is to have a total of 6 deals closed with M&A worth $50M. Currently have 3 deals closed this year, with a pipeline of almost $100M in active deals