During and in the aftermath of the Southern California wildfires, many local businesses faced the challenge of staying afloat while contributing to relief efforts. Cuernavaca’s Grill, a beloved Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, was among those navigating this difficult landscape. Nayomie Mendoza, who took over the family business five years ago, was determined to support the community and ensure her restaurant’s survival.
Nayomie’s journey highlights the opportunities available to small businesses through strategic programs like Chase’s Coaching for Impact. Partnering with her Senior Business Consultant, Alejandra Corona-Fennell, Nayomie devised a plan to contribute to firefighting efforts while keeping Cuernavaca’s Grill operational. Alejandra’s expertise was instrumental in guiding Nayomie through the complex process of securing grants and contracts.
With Alejandra’s coaching, Nayomie embraced storytelling on social media, sharing her father’s entrepreneurial journey. This authenticity resonated with her audience, boosting sales and brand recognition. As a result, Cuernavaca’s Grill received the Elevate grant from the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce and a $75k grant from Siete Foods, whose owner connected with her story.
Through dedicated coaching, Nayomie successfully navigated the world of procurement, earning multiple certifications and securing a $900,000 contract with the National Army to feed personnel fighting fires in Los Angeles. She credits the Coaching for Impact program with enabling her to secure her first major contract, hire more employees, and give back to her community. Access to Chase’s team of experts has empowered her to continue growing and elevating her business.
In the midst of the crisis, Cuernavaca’s Grill rose to the occasion, providing meals to first responders. This achievement underscores the value of programs like Chase’s Coaching for Impact, which empower small business owners with strategic guidance and personalized coaching, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Cuernavaca’s Grill and its journey?
Nayomie: Cuernavaca’s Grill is a second-generation Mexican restaurant rooted in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District. Founded by my father, Marcos Mendoza, over 20 years ago, it has become a cultural landmark known for our Chiles Rellenos and community-centered mission. When the pandemic nearly shut us down, we turned to digital storytelling—which ultimately saved the business. Since then, we’ve expanded and remain committed to honoring our culture through food, service, and legacy.
Q: How did the opportunity to secure a government contract come about?
Nayomie: Government contracting is incredibly complex. Alejandra and I worked together for months—she guided me through certifications, portals, and helped me understand county, state, and federal systems. Thanks to her, I had everything in place when the wildfires hit: references, paperwork, readiness. The moment the opportunity came, I signed the contract late at night and was catering 2,500 meals across five sites by morning. It happened fast, but the preparation made it possible
Q: What role did the Chase Senior Business Consultant (SBC) play in helping you secure the contract?
Nayomie: The SBC was instrumental. Alejandra didn’t just offer advice—she walked alongside me every step of the way. From registering on procurement sites to understanding certifications, she demystified the process. Government contracting can feel overwhelming, but she helped break it down and made sure I was prepared. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t have been ready when the opportunity came. The SBC gave me tools, knowledge, and the confidence to step into this space.
Q: How has securing this contract impacted your business and the community?
Nayomie: Securing this contract was a lifeline during a time of crisis when most restaurants were shutting down. It allowed us to keep our kitchens open, retain staff, and even subcontract work to help other struggling small businesses. We served thousands of meals to first responders, but the impact went beyond food—it created jobs, sustained families, and showed that a legacy, Latina-owned business could lead in moments of emergency with heart and resilience.
Q: What challenges did you face during the procurement process, and how did you overcome them?
Nayomie: The procurement process was overwhelming—so many systems, portals, and requirements to navigate. It felt like learning a new language. On top of that, the timeline was intense. Once awarded, we had less than 24 hours to mobilize and feed thousands. I overcame it with preparation, guidance from Alejandra, and the strength of my team. We worked around the clock, adjusted on the fly, and stayed rooted in our mission to serve.
Q: What advice would you give to other small businesses looking to secure government contracts?
Nayomie: You never stop learning—be coachable, and be willing to always educate yourself. Government contracting is a different world, and it takes patience, preparation, and persistence. Start early by getting certified, registering on portals, and surrounding yourself with people who’ve done it before. Connect with your local SBC—they’re an incredible resource. When the opportunity comes, you’ll want to be ready. Our communities deserve to be represented in these spaces, and we’re more than capable of showing up.
To learn more about Chase’s Coaching for Impact Program, please visit: https://www.chase.com/business/coaching-for-impact
