Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: New Tools Important for Latino and Hispanic Small Business Owners

Washington, DC - Today, Small Business Majority celebrates the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month by announcing the launch of an array of resources, grant opportunities, and stories Hispanic and Latino small business owners can use to galvanize communities and overcome challenges often endured by Latino entrepreneurs. 

With support from Support Latino Business, small business owners, and other business and community organizations, Small Business Majority will celebrate Latino and Hispanic small business owners who have significantly contributed to the fabric of America’s economy. Between September 15 and October 15, Small Business Majority will host events, share grant opportunities, spotlight stories of Latino small business owners, and much more. A few of the events include: 

• #SupportSmallBiz Grants Powered by Support Latino Business & Modern Woodmen Fraternal Finance - More than $10,000 will be awarded to eligible diverse small businesses across the country.
• “El ABC para Emprender” - New audio resources for Spanish-speaking business owners that provide short and concise guidance to help start and grow a business.  
• Twitter Chat: Celebrating Hispanic Entrepreneurship - October 5, 3:00 pm ET; join Small Business Majority, Support Latino Business, America’s SBDC, and others for in-depth discussions on building economic independence and security in Hispanic communities. 

"Support Latino Business is proud to partner with Small Business Majority to celebrate and resource the incredible Latino-owned businesses that help fuel our nation's economy," said Jennifer Meza, President of Support Latino Business. "Our local businesses deserve our patronage, respect and all the support we can muster on Support Latino Business Day and throughout the year."

In addition to sharing information Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurs can use to build and grow their businesses, Small Business Majority will also feature personalized stories of small business owners who have successfully sustained their businesses, despite facing systemic barriers in access to capital, essential benefits, and networking opportunities. Follow the stories of Edwin Sandoval, the proud owner of Xatrucho Concepts who moved from Honduras to the Colorado Springs area when he was only 10 years old; Vanessa Avalos, an Illinois entrepreneur who noticed a need for bilingual education for young children in her community, and she immediately decided to execute on it; and others. 

“Hispanic Americans are highly entrepreneurial, launching businesses at twice the rate of native-born Americans and creating meaningful opportunities through job creation,” said Xiomara Peña, Vice President, Engagement, Small Business Majority. “We know Latino small business owners help grow the economy by filling labor needs, purchasing goods and paying taxes. And despite overwhelming challenges in accessing federal aid during the pandemic, this community pushed through and started new businesses at historic rates. We are excited and honored to help kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with Support Latino Business and other key stakeholders. We look forward to participating in continued efforts that will spotlight the accomplishments of Latino small business owners and celebrate the diversity and innovation that this community brings to the small business ecosystem.” 

Small Business Majority is dedicated to championing the estimated 4.7 million Latino business owners who contribute to their communities and the U.S. economic engine. 

###