Silvia Castro Bennett MBA
CEO & President | Suazo Business Center
Silvia Castro Bennett has transformed the Suazo Business Center into Utah’s premier resource for economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience across nonprofit, government and corporate sectors, she has created pathways for underserved communities through strategic partnerships with policymakers, financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Under her leadership, the center secured $1.3 million in non-federal funding, expanded client services by 500 percent over the last five years, and opened offices in Ogden and St. George. In 2024, Suazo achieved record growth with $1.59 million in grants, supported 411 new businesses, facilitated 1,849 jobs and conducted nearly 3,000 advising sessions. The center’s CDFI designation has enabled over $450,000 in loans to Utah small businesses.
What emerging market trends or disruptions are you preparing your company for?
At the Suazo Business Center, we are focused on preparing entrepreneurs for a rapidly changing economic landscape. This includes helping businesses adapt to advancements in digital technology, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing emphasis on sustainability. As Utah’s premier hub for economically disadvantaged businesses, we are also preparing for shifts in funding streams and the need for stronger financial literacy to ensure our entrepreneurs can thrive in an uncertain economic climate.
What has been a significant challenge you’ve faced? How did you overcome it?
One of our most significant challenges was navigating the pandemic’s impact on small businesses, many of which faced closures or drastic reductions in revenue. We overcame this by pivoting quickly, offering virtual workshops, providing emergency funding resources and advocating for equitable access to government relief programs. Our team’s ability to innovate and remain steadfast in our mission allowed us to guide hundreds of businesses through those difficult times.
