September Business Blog and Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated September 15 through October 15, is an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latino communities across the United States. It is also an important time to recognize Latino entrepreneurs and the role they play in building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies.

Latino entrepreneurship is a significant and growing economic force. In 2022, more than 465,000 Latino-owned employer businesses operated across the United States, employing more than 3.5 million people and generating over $653 billion in revenue.¹ Latino-owned employer businesses also grew by 44.4% between 2017 and 2022. 

Here in Massachusetts, the story is equally powerful. Hispanic and Latino residents accounted for approximately $30 billion, or 26% of the Commonwealth’s economic growth between 2014 and 2023, despite representing 13.5% of the state’s population in 2023.² 

Behind these numbers are individual stories of entrepreneurship, determination, and community. Many Latino entrepreneurs are immigrants or children of immigrants who have turned their skills, ideas, and experiences into businesses. These businesses can become vehicles not only for income, but for job creation, community investment, ownership, and generational wealth.

Yet opportunity is not distributed equally. A 2025 survey of Massachusetts small businesses found that 70% of Latino business owners identified access to capital as a high priority, compared with 32% of white business owners.³ 

This is where organizations like BII play an important role. As a nonprofit impact investing fund and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), BII invests in entrepreneurs and communities to build community ownership, shared wealth, and economic power. Through fair, flexible capital, tailored advising, and trusted connections, BII helps build more inclusive local economies.

Supporting Latino entrepreneurs, however, is something we can all participate in. We can intentionally purchase from Latino-owned businesses, include them in contracting and procurement opportunities, make introductions and referrals, open professional networks, and connect entrepreneurs with capital and business resources.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s go beyond celebrating Latino culture and heritage. Let’s also recognize the entrepreneurs whose stories, businesses, and ambitions are helping shape the future of our communities.

Sources

1. Brookings Institution. Charting the Surge in Latino or Hispanic-Owned Businesses in the US. Data on Latino-owned employer businesses, employment, revenue, and business growth. (Brookings)
   Brookings Institution report

2. Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation & We Are ALX. ¡Vamos Massachusetts! Unlocking Hispanic/Latino Economic Advancement. April 2025. (Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation)
   Read the ¡Vamos Massachusetts! report

3. MassINC Polling Group / Coalition for an Equitable Economy. 2025 Massachusetts Small Business Survey Shows Growing Diversity, Strong Growth Ambitions and Critical Information Gaps. (MassINC Polling Group)
   View the 2025 Massachusetts Small Business Survey

4. Boston Impact Initiative. About BII’s Impact Focused Mission and Capital Offering. (Boston Impact)
   Boston Impact Initiative — About BII