Hispanic businesses growing at rapid pace
PUBLISHED BY Rocio De La Fe Monday, November 29th 2021
VIDEO LINK : https://kfdm.com/news/local/hispanic-businesses-growing-at-rapid-pace?video=c276b322d8984b76a6b8bf881f8cafbb&jwsource=em
Latino-owned businesses are seeing record growth in the United States, contributing to increases in small and big businesses during the past decade.
The number of Hispanic business owners is up 34% in the last 10 years, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. They're the fastest-growing segment of small businesses.
Luis Guevara dedicated the past 15 years building his detail car wash business, Extreme Detail Hand Carwash. He now owns multiple locations across southeast Texas. He's part of the millions who came to the United States in search of a better future for his family.
"This country offers the best opportunities in the world. By living in another country your desire is to take advantage of any opportunity you have in your hands," said Guevara.
Guevara says he's seen a surge of Hispanic businesses in our region over time.
"I definitely see more businesses open by Hispanic people. One of the reasons is because they support each other," added Guevara.
However, things haven't always been easy for Guevara.. He says opening up a business in a new country was challenging.
"Even though we're in an amazing country that provide opportunities, it's not really easy. A lot of people have a misunderstanding of what immigration means. We have to work harder than anybody else to try to become someone here," said Guevara.
Guevara is now a part of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce , which has a Hispanic business council. He said he joined to help new business owners navigate the challenges that come along the process.
Business owner Mari Sanchez opened El Caporal four years ago, bringing authentic Mexican food and Hispanic culture to the Bridge City community. She says it hasn't always been easy, especially after the pandemic. She's fought hard to keep her doors open
"Dedication, attention to the job and each day do things better so that we can maintain our businesses," said Sanchez.
Texas is among the states with the most Hispanic-owned businesses. There are nearly 61 million Hispanics in the U.S., according to 2019 U.S. Census data.