Kansas City is set to host the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America from October 6 to 8, 2024. This event, organized by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), aims to provide small businesses with essential resources for success. The conference is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees and generate an economic impact of around $2 million for the local economy [e168fadd].
The USHCC represents over five million Hispanic-owned businesses, contributing approximately $80 billion to the U.S. economy annually. This highlights the significant role that Hispanic entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth across the nation [e168fadd]. Paulina Tabares, a representative of the chamber, emphasized the opportunity for small businesses to gain visibility and connect with potential partners during the conference [e168fadd].
Among the local businesses benefiting from this movement is Kolaches and Coffee, a family-owned coffee shop in Overland Park, Kansas, started by Gema Roman and Gerardo Serrano in spring 2024. Their venture exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that the USHCC seeks to promote within the Hispanic community [e168fadd].
In addition to the upcoming conference, the Hispanic community in Hawaii continues to grow and impact the state's economy significantly. According to the 2022 U.S. Census American Community Survey, Hispanics now make up about 11% of Hawaii's population, totaling approximately 160,000 residents. This makes the Hispanic community the fastest-growing ethnic group in the state [9f363c0d].
The Hawaii Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reports that there are about 700 Hispanic-owned businesses in Hawaii, collectively generating around 5,600 jobs and contributing an estimated $500 million to $1 billion to the state's economy [9f363c0d]. The increasing presence of the Hispanic community enriches Hawaii's multicultural fabric, fostering a more inclusive society [9f363c0d].
Furthermore, a new report by Sacramento State and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reveals that Hispanics are a growing part of the Sacramento region's economy, with nearly 70% of respondents working full-time. However, many still face barriers in accessing basic services like medical care and health insurance [f92aeff1]. The report highlights the contributions of Hispanic residents and provides recommendations for addressing inequities, which the chamber plans to utilize to uplift Hispanic individuals and businesses [f92aeff1].
In Delaware, the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been established to support and connect Latino-owned businesses. Latino-owned businesses in Delaware have seen steady growth, increasing from 5% of businesses in 2022 to 6% in 2023. However, many still face challenges such as access to capital and language barriers. The chamber aims to address these challenges and boost growth for Latino businesses [22d1ec8b].
The Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers resources such as the Bilingual Business Center and monthly networking hours. Since its opening, over 200 business owners have become members, and the chamber prioritizes familial activities and wellness [22d1ec8b]. Founded by Ronaldo Tello, the chamber focuses on overcoming obstacles faced by Latino business owners, including financial literacy and trust in government resources [22d1ec8b].