I Pitched my Business to a College District… Here’s What Happened | Ep 144

I Pitched my Business to a College District… Here’s What Happened | Ep 144

In this episode, Juan takes you behind the scenes of building UndocuStartup™—from preparing and delivering a pitch to a California community college district, to sharing lessons about entrepreneurship, negotiation, persistence, and solving problems in real time. He reflects on the importance of creating win-win partnerships, helping undocumented students build businesses through action-based learning, and why consistency is one of the greatest competitive advantages any entrepreneur can have. Along the way, Juan also shares everyday moments from life on the road, reminding us that entrepreneurship is about continuously adapting, learning, and moving forward.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:* How to pitch partnerships by focusing on shared value instead of personal gain.* Why action-based entrepreneurship helps students gain confidence and make their first dollar.* How persistence, consistency, and problem-solving create long-term business opportunities.📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you.📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:* Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO* Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com* TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern* Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/* Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/* LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/* LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/* Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/* Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern* Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com* Website → https://www.jmayahern.com* Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students.🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition | Ep 143

In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring final pitches from the top founders of UndocuStartup Week after 55 applicants competed for a spot in the program. Each entrepreneur shares how they’re solving real-world problems—from making STEM education more accessible and helping immigrant-owned businesses grow online, to increasing access to educational resources, simplifying college navigation for undocumented students, and preserving culture through community-centered food entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear live audience Q&A, founder feedback, and practical insights into validating business ideas, pricing services, marketing, storytelling, and building businesses rooted in community impact. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: * How undocumented founders identify meaningful problems and turn them into scalable businesses. * Practical lessons on pitching, pricing, marketing, and validating your startup. * Why community-centered entrepreneurship creates lasting impact beyond profit. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: * Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO * Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com * TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern * Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ * Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ * LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ * LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ * Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ * Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern * Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com * Website → https://www.jmayahern.com * Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

Answering Your UndocuStartup Week Questions Part 2 | Ep 142

In this episode, Juan answers the final round of questions about the first-ever UndocuStartup Week Bootcamp. He shares how participant privacy is protected, explains what students will learn about starting a business with an ITIN, discusses language accessibility, mentorship opportunities, alumni support, and the story behind why he founded UndocuStartup. He also invites everyone to attend the upcoming UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition and support the next generation of undocumented student entrepreneurs. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: * How UndocuStartup protects participant privacy and gives students control over what information is shared publicly. * What to expect from the bootcamp, including business formation, ITINs, office hours, mentorship, and alumni support. * The personal journey that inspired Juan to create UndocuStartup and build an entrepreneurship ecosystem for undocumented students. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 🏆 Sign up for the UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition and support the incredible founders from our inaugural cohort. Come cheer on undocumented student entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas and celebrate everything they’ve built during the program: https://luma.com/5lhr5cul 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: * Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO * Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com * TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern * Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ * Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ * LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ * LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ * Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ * Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern * Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com * Website → https://www.jmayahern.com * Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

Answering Your UndocuStartup Week 2026 Questions | Ep 141

In this episode, Juan answers your biggest questions about UndocuStartup™ Week 2026 while also sharing practical advice on entrepreneurship, LLCs, taxes, networking, and finding opportunities as an undocumented student. From what to expect during the 7-day boot camp to the mindset shifts that have helped students succeed, this Q&A episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring founders.   🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: * What UndocuStartup™ Week is, who it’s for, and what participants can expect. * How to think about forming an LLC, finding tax resources, and getting started with your business. * The advice Juan gives students most often—from challenging limiting beliefs to taking massive action. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Join UndocuStartup™ Week 2026 Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Apply for UndocuStartup™ Week, our free 7-day virtual entrepreneurship boot camp designed for undocumented students across the country. You’ll build your idea, connect with fellow founders, and pitch your venture by the end of the program. ⚡ Learn more & apply: www.undocustartup.com/week 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: * Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO * Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com * TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern * Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ * Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ * LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ * LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ * Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ * Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern * Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com * Website → https://www.jmayahern.com * Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

What I Learned From Rich People as an Undocumented Entrepreneur | Ep 140

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the biggest lessons he learned from wealthy entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, millionaire founders, and investors connected to companies like Grubhub, Snapchat, and Giphy. As an undocumented entrepreneur building UndocuStartup™, Juan reflects on how these experiences completely changed the way he thinks about money, entrepreneurship, marketing, leverage, focus, and long-term success. From meeting startup investors to studying billionaires like Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller, Juan breaks down the mindset shifts that helped him stop thinking about survival and start thinking about scale, ownership, and impact. This episode is filled with practical entrepreneurship advice for undocumented students, Dreamers, DACA recipients, and first-generation founders who want to build wealth, create opportunities, and grow successful businesses.   🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: * The biggest entrepreneurship and wealth lessons I learned from millionaires * How undocumented entrepreneurs can think bigger and build long-term success * Why focus, leverage, marketing, and mindset are critical for undocumented founders 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: * Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO * Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com * TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern * Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ * Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ * LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ * LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ * Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ * Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern * Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com * Website → https://www.jmayahern.com * Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.