The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced Tar Macias, publisher of Hola America and Hola Iowa, as the 2024 Iowa SBA Minority Small Business Champion of the Year. Macias immigrated from Mexico to Moline, Ill., when he was 14 years old. He started Hola America in 2000 to meet the need for bilingual media in Iowa and Illinois. Macias and his wife, Erika, launched Hola Iowa in 2014 and moved to Des Moines in 2018. The publications highlight the contributions of the Latino community as well as other underrepresented communities, a news release said. “Tar Macias and Hola America / Hola Iowa are represented at practically every business event in the state. His passion and commitment are raising the profile of Latino entrepreneurs by showcasing their small business success and influence,” Jayne Armstrong, district director of the SBA’s Iowa District Office, said in a prepared statement. Macias’ community involvement includes the Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines, the Latino Trade Network, the Iowa Black and Brown Business Summit and the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival.