Unleashing Hispanic Entrepreneurship with the Public Capital Markets
As a Hispanic finance executive, the Public Routing and Outreach Manager for Dream Exchange, the first minority–owned and governed stock exchange, I am deeply passionate about promoting Hispanic entrepreneurship and empowering our community to participate in the public capital markets. By highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs and shedding light on the statistics, we can foster an environment conducive to economic growth and create more opportunities for success.
Hispanic Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for Economic Progress
Hispanic entrepreneurship has been a driving force behind the growth and resilience of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the “nearly 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States contributed more than $800 billion to the American economy annually” and “in the decade preceding the pandemic, the number of Hispanic business owners increased 34% compared to an increase of just 1% among non-Hispanic business owners.” [1] These businesses have not only created jobs but have also revitalized communities and spurred innovation.
Hispanic Entrepreneurs: Overcoming Challenges
Despite the significant impact of Hispanic entrepreneurs, like other minority groups, they continue to face unique challenges when it comes to accessing capital and entering the public capital markets. A report published by the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI) reveals that “LOB’s (Latin-Owned Businesses) disproportionally tap into personal and family savings to support and expand their business.” [2]. This limited access to capital hampers their growth potential and limits their ability to scale their businesses and have a positive impact on their communities in the United States as well as individuals who continue to support their family members who are abroad.
Capitalizing on the Momentum: Opportunities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs
While challenges persist, there are numerous opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs to tap into the public capital markets and accelerate their growth, and we at the Dream Exchange want to be a leader in making this possible. Access to public capital markets allows for increased visibility, enhanced credibility, and greater access to external funding sources.
One key avenue for Hispanic entrepreneurs to explore is the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process, which provides an opportunity to raise capital by offering shares to the public. By going public, Hispanic-owned businesses can attract a wider investor base, generate additional capital for expansion, and gain access to seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and support.
Hispanic entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and community development. By acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs, we can pave the way for increased participation in the public capital markets.
It is imperative that we continue to foster an environment that promotes equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background. By doing so, we will unlock the full potential of Hispanic entrepreneurs and create a stronger, more prosperous future for our community and the nation.
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Citations:
[1] See, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/organization/observances/hispanic-heritage-month.
[2] Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative. (2022). State of Latino Entrepreneurship 2022: The Report. Retrieved from https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/labs-initiatives/slei/state-latino-entrepreneurship-report
