By Valerie Rivas, Founder and CEO of EVIA, empowers entrepreneurs across industries with access to capital, technology, and marketing. With 20+ years in finance, she’s dedicated to leveling the playing field, especially for the Latino community, through mentorship and innovation.
From Finance Insider to Founder: Leveling the Playing Field
Valerie Rivas left the corporate world to build EVIA, empowering small businesses to scale and succeed with a unique approach to capital access and digital innovation.
In 2019, Valerie Rivas stood at a pivotal moment in her career. After over 20 years in the finance and consulting world—including 10 years as Vice President at Bank of America—she was at the peak of her corporate career. Yet, she recognized a significant gap in how entrepreneurs of all backgrounds accessed the critical resources necessary to scale their businesses. Barriers such as capital, technology, and strategic marketing often felt insurmountable for the small business owners she encountered.
In that moment of clarity, Valerie made a bold decision: she would leave the security of her corporate job to strike out on her own and launch EVIA, a business solutions firm dedicated to not only helping entrepreneurs access capital but also embrace cutting-edge technology and innovative marketing strategies.
Today, as the Founder and CEO of EVIA, Valerie has built a business that is changing the landscape for small business owners across industries, while also creating targeted programs that meet the needs of the Latino community. She offers entrepreneurs the tools, guidance, and resources needed to thrive in a competitive market.
A Passion for Empowering Others
Valerie’s journey is not just a career shift; it’s a deeply personal mission. As a first-generation Latina, she understands the challenges that come with building a business without a roadmap. Her family’s story of perseverance has deeply influenced her commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Her decision to found EVIA wasn’t only driven by professional experience—it was rooted in a desire to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs, with a strong focus on ensuring those in underserved communities have equal access to resources. The name EVIA itself is a testament to this commitment. It stands for Empower, Vision, Innovate, Amplify, four pillars that are central to Valerie’s approach with every client.
In her own words: “For me, EVIA isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking down the barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from accessing the capital, technology, and knowledge they need to scale.”
The Leap of Faith
Leaving behind a secure, high-ranking position at a major bank was a monumental decision for Valerie, but one that felt inevitable as she realized the profound gaps in how businesses were supported.
“There was a deep need for a different kind of support,” she reflects. “A holistic approach that took into account not just funding, but technology, operations, and the ability to connect businesses to the resources they need.”
This gap in services was what drove Valerie to step away from her comfortable corporate job and launch EVIA. The leap of faith was daunting, but her extensive background in finance gave her the confidence that she could bridge the gap for other entrepreneurs struggling to access the capital and services they needed.
A Unique Approach: Holistic Support for Small Business Owners
What sets EVIA apart from other business consulting firms is its unique, holistic approach. Valerie and her team don’t just offer one service—they provide a comprehensive suite of solutions that encompass capital access, AI-powered software, mobile app development, and tailored marketing strategies.
The firm integrates cutting-edge tools for industries like construction, manufacturing, and import/export—sectors that Valerie believes are often underserved. This comprehensive offering not only meets businesses where they are but also anticipates their future needs.
Her deep understanding of the banking world also gives her a critical advantage when it comes to preparing business owners for funding. While many entrepreneurs struggle to understand how lenders think, Valerie’s insider knowledge allows her to prepare clients to be “funding ready.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how many businesses miss out on funding simply because they don’t know how to present themselves to lenders,” Valerie shares. “What I do is empower business owners to tell their story in a way that resonates with financial institutions.”
Community-Centric Leadership
Beyond her work with EVIA, Valerie is a trusted resource and community connector. She is an active leader in local chambers of commerce, business associations, and nonprofit boards, and she is deeply involved in advancing entrepreneurship and equity across communities.
As a Latina founder herself, Valerie’s cultural competency has enabled her to connect with businesses in the Latino community, offering support in a way that feels authentic and tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s providing guidance in Spanish or connecting clients to crucial community resources, Valerie’s personal touch is what makes her stand out in a crowded industry.
Her leadership and commitment to empowering others have not gone unnoticed. Valerie has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2023 Vermont Slauson Economic Development Center Community Impact Award and the 2023 Bank of America Community Impact Award. In 2024, she was recognized by the State of California for her efforts to amplify Latino voices in business.
A Thought Leader and Speaker
In addition to her work with EVIA, Valerie is a sought-after public speaker who will be speaking at the Women In Power Conference in Whittier, CA, where she will share her expertise on business finance. She has spoken at numerous conferences, panels, and workshops across the country, sharing her expertise on topics like entrepreneurship, capital access, and innovation.
Her thought leadership extends to organizations like the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, Inland Empire Regional Chamber, and Asociación de Emprendedores, where she advocates for small business owners, especially those from underrepresented communities.
“Business owners need more than just services—they need mentors, they need role models, and they need to know that someone is rooting for them,” Valerie says. “I want to be that person.”
EVIA’s Impact and Vision for the Future
As EVIA continues to grow, Valerie remains focused on her mission to empower entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. Looking ahead, she plans to expand the company’s reach, connecting even more business owners to the resources and opportunities that can propel them forward.
“I’ve seen firsthand how small businesses transform when they have access to capital, innovation, and a supportive network. That’s why I’m so passionate about what we do at EVIA,” Valerie shares. “It’s not just about helping businesses survive—it’s about helping them thrive, so they can create lasting impact in their communities.”
About Valerie Rivas
Valerie Rivas is the Founder and CEO of EVIA, a business solutions firm focused on helping entrepreneurs thrive through innovative access to capital, technology, and marketing. With over 20 years of experience in finance and consulting, including 10 years as Vice President at Bank of America, Valerie is dedicated to empowering business owners across industries, with a special commitment to the Latino community.
A first-generation Latina, Valerie’s journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur reflects her passion for leveling the playing field for small businesses. She’s also a trusted mentor and public speaker, dedicated to sharing insights to help entrepreneurs succeed.
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