In those short five years she has had marked success. Las Comadres para Las Americas has grown from 100 members in Austin to 6,000 members in 17 states. She expects the organization of "co-mothers" to establish a presence in 10 more states this year, including a fledgling group in Salt Lake City.

Thursday, Comstock will share how her group works to mentor Latinas and inspire entrepreneurs, at the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's first convention.

The convention is for all business owners and professionals.

The chamber has been around since 1991, but this year it finally had the groundswell of support needed to stage a convention, says executive director Carlos Linares.

Latinos owned close to 5,200 business in Utah as of 2002, and Utah's Latino population has swelled to 250,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The chamber plans to make the convention an annual event.

"This year presented a great opportunity to help growing businesses to become even more successful," Linares says. "We'd like to have all participants leave with more ideas, more resources and perhaps a better plan to [reach] out to our growing Hispanic population."

Comstock's group emphasizes empowerment through learning to use technology, understanding Latino culture and networking.

Comstock, who also owns Comstock Connections, a client development services company, advises Las Comadres members to take advantage of existing resources for small-business owners, such as small-business development centers and chambers of commerce.

For entrepreneurs, Comstock recommends choosing businesses they love.

"Find your passion. More important than the money, you're going to spend a lot of time in this business," Comstock says. "If it's just about money, it's going to be very hard to do what you have to do."

Other keynote speakers include leaders from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

There will also be small-group speakers and workshops, with topics such as legal concerns for business owners and marketing to Latinos.

The convention will be followed by the second annual Epoca de Oro, a celebration of Latin music and culture hosted by comedian Willie Barcena. Trio Los Panchos and Trio Azul Bohemia will perform. For information, visit http://www.theuhcc.com.

rwinters@sltrib.com

The Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Convention

When: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

What: Keynote speakers and workshops for Latino entrepreneurs and for businesses that market to Latinos

Cost: $95 for chamber members, $150 for others

Register: http://www.theuhcc.com or 801-532-3308

Second annual Epoca de Oro

* When: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday

* Where: Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

* What: Dinner and a celebration of Latin music and culture hosted by comedian Willie Barcena

* Cost: $50 for chamber members, $55 for others

* Register: http://www.theuhcc.com or 801-532-3308