Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center

What Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center does

Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center (SQACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 in Toledo, Ohio, that operates a multi-program community hub serving the local Latino population and broader Toledo community. The organization delivers arts education (pottery classes, Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria), culinary programs (Nana's Kitchen commercial commissary kitchen, hands-on cooking classes, C.E.N.A.R.E. nutrition education), urban agriculture (BUGG Broadway Urban Garden Greenspace with 60+ raised beds and 11 beehives), mental health prevention (AVANCE program), and bilingual community navigation services (El Centro Hub). Programming targets K-12 schools, families, scouting and church groups, private event hosts, local artists, and underserved families seeking social service connections.

The organization's business model is diversified across five revenue streams: venue and event center rentals (Main Hall up to 200 guests, Educational Room up to 45 guests, Nana's Kitchen commercial kitchen lease), program and class fees (pottery, culinary, C.E.N.A.R.E.), donations and fundraising (signature events Entre Amigos and Dia de los Muertos at $60/ticket), grants (United Way of Greater Toledo supporting C.E.N.A.R.E.), and product sales (Honey from the Hood, with 800+ pounds produced since 2011). Go-to-market is community-led, relying on word-of-mouth, school and organizational partnerships, social media, mailing lists, and event-driven engagement rather than paid acquisition. Distribution is exclusively direct through on-site programming at the 1222/1225 Broadway St facility and online registration via dvforms.net.

Operations are funded through donations, grants, program fees, and event rentals, with no institutional investment, funding rounds, or parent organization identified. The core team consists of 8-9 staff including an Executive Director (Joe Balderas), Hub Director (Taylor Burciaga), program coordinators, and gardeners. SQACC's core technology is minimal — a Wix-hosted website, standard social channels, and online forms — with no proprietary platform, AI/ML capabilities, or technology product surface. The organization's competitive position rests on cultural credibility, community trust built since 1996, and an integrated multi-program ecosystem that is difficult for new entrants to replicate in the Old South End neighborhood.

Name

Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center

Legal name

Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center

Website

https://sqacc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community hub in Toledo, Ohio, founded in 1996, delivering arts education, culinary programs, urban agriculture, mental health prevention, and bilingual community navigation to the local Latino population and broader Toledo community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts and Cultural Center Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums (712110), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC), Community Arts, Culture & Creative Placemaking Enterprises (BPAGALAO), Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

Keywords

• Community arts programming
• Cultural education services
• Culinary arts classes
• Mental health prevention programs
• Urban gardening programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Toledo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Venue and Event Center Rentals: Rental of event spaces including Main Hall (up to 200 guests), Educational Room (up to 45 guests), Nana's Kitchen commercial kitchen, and Jose Balderas Garden. Revenue from private event bookings, celebrations, and community gatherings.
2. Program and Class Fees: Revenue from pottery classes, culinary classes, and other educational programs. Classes offered to adults and youth with pre-registration required.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Financial contributions from donors as key investment in supporting ongoing vitality of Latino artistic and cultural production. Annual fundraising events include Entre Amigos and Dia de los Muertos.
4. Grants: Grant funding from organizations such as United Way of Greater Toledo supporting C.E.N.A.R.E. program and other operations.
5. Product Sales: Sale of locally produced 'Honey from the Hood' - honey harvested from bee hives at the gardens. Over 800 pounds of honey produced since 2011.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that delivers arts education (pottery, gallery exhibitions), culinary education and nutrition programming (C.E.N.A.R.E.), bilingual community navigation services (El Centro Hub), mental health prevention (AVANCE), urban agriculture (BUGG gardens and beekeeping), cultural tours, and event venue rentals out of its Broadway Street facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Product overview

The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center (SQACC) is a community-based arts and cultural organization offering a diverse portfolio of programs and facilities. The center operates as a multi-venue complex featuring arts education (pottery classes, gallery exhibitions), culinary programs (Nana's Kitchen commercial kitchen, C.E.N.A.R.E. nutrition education, cooking classes), community support services (El Centro Hub navigation center, AVANCE mental health prevention), and urban agriculture (BUGG garden, multiple specialty gardens). The center also provides event rental facilities including the Main Hall, Educational Room, and outdoor gardens for community celebrations. Programs serve diverse audiences from children to seniors through both public classes and private group bookings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nana's Kitchen: A fully equipped commercial commissary/catering kitchen and event space within SQACC that serves as a cultural venue and community resource for culinary education.
• C.E.N.A.R.E.
• AVANCE
• BUGG
• El Centro Hub
• Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria

Products and services

• Pottery Classes Adult pottery classes (ages 18+) covering hand-building and wheelwork techniques plus cover and underglaze applications. Each 8-class session runs 6-8 pm and allows participants to complete several pieces using lead-free, food-safe glazes. Class fees include tools and materials.
• Culinary Arts Classes Hands-on cooking classes taught by Chef Vero, teaching participants to prepare various dishes. Classes are available for individuals, families, and groups including schools, organizations, scouting, and church groups.
• C.E.N.A.R.E. (Culinary Education Nutrition and Responsible Eating) An 8-class course for children and adults featuring nutritional education and hands-on culinary experiences preparing nutritious meals. The program is supported by a United Way of Greater Toledo grant.
• AVANCE Community Mental Health Prevention Program A community mental health prevention program using art, culinary, and agriculture to promote mental health awareness and substance abuse prevention, with emphasis on the Latino community. Includes a High School Leadership Program for incoming freshmen through senior high school students.
• El Centro Hub (The Hub) A bilingual, bicultural community navigation center connecting underserved families in Toledo's Old South End to resources in housing, health, legal aid, food, and education. Community members can self-refer or agencies can refer on their behalf.
• BUGG (Broadway Urban Garden Greenspace) Urban gardening initiative with over 60 raised beds of produce and 11 beehives. Produces pesticide-free produce donated to a local food bank and 'Honey from the Hood' from on-site beehives. BUGG includes 51 raised beds (4,080 sq ft), Native Grounds (35 raised beds), and Grandpa's Garden (496 sq ft).
• Interactive Cultural Tours Interactive cultural experiences for schools, organizations, and groups including cooking, art, music, dance classes, and garden visits. Tours can be tailored to various ages and accommodate groups from 10 to over 50 participants, with year-round scheduling for the 25-26 school year.
• Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria A gallery showcasing local artists' work, open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm with weekends by appointment. Welcomes both new and established artists to exhibit.
• Nana's Kitchen Commercial Commissary Kitchen A fully equipped commercial commissary/catering kitchen licensed through the Health Department and Department of Agriculture, featuring stainless steel prep tables, commercial dishwashers, ranges, ovens, griddles, fryers, and refrigeration. Also serves as a 200-person event center and multi-purpose educational room available for rental.
• Event Center Rentals Event venue rentals including the Main Hall (up to 200 guests), Educational Room (up to 45 guests), Jose Balderas Garden, and Galeria. Equipped with bar, TV, projector, Wi-Fi, and various table/chair options. Off-site rentals available: tables $5 each, chairs $2 each, with $75 deposit.
• Dia de los Muertos Celebration Annual fall fundraiser and cultural celebration featuring community altar exhibition, hor d'oeuvres, shopping, cash bar, raffle, and cultural activities. Tickets priced at $60 per person.
• Entre Amigos Event A signature spring fundraising event featuring food, shopping, and community engagement, showcasing SQACC's art exhibitions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,500 pounds of pesticide-free produce donated to local food bank
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Local Food BanksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 2,500 pounds of various pesticide-free produce have been donated to local food banks over three years through the Broadway Urban Garden Greenspace (BUGG) program.
• Local Service Organizations and AgenciescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEl Centro Hub connects underserved families to resources in housing, health, legal aid, food, and education through partnerships with various agencies and service providers. Community members can self-refer or agencies can refer on their behalf.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SQACC
• Instagraminstagram.com/sqacc_events
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sofia-quintero-art-cultural-center-art-galleri

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center