Reps. Newman and Salazar Introduce Resolution to Recognize National Latino Small Business Day

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Marie Newman (D-IL-03) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced a resolution to recognize September 14, 2021, as National Latino Small Business Day.

Celebrated every year during National Small Business Week and the day before the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 -- Oct. 15), National Latino Small Business Day is designed to highlight the significant contributions made by Latino business owners, entrepreneurs and workers across the United States.

"In the past decade, Latinos have started more small businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic across the United States. Despite this historic growth, this pandemic has disproportionately hit Latino entrepreneurs, with far too many struggling to access the federal relief they need to survive," said Congresswoman Newman. "I am proud to introduce this resolution to honor the Latino small businesses that form the backbone of our communities in Illinois' 3rd District and across the entire nation. On this National Latino Small Business Day, it's time our nation recognizes that when Latino small businesses thrive, our entire nation thrives."

"From Calle Ocho in the heart of Miami, to Main Street, USA, Latinos represent the fastest-growing group of small business owners in the nation," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Small businesses have faced a unique and difficult set of challenges since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now more than ever, it's critical that we continue to encourage the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of the Latino community. I'm thrilled to join Rep. Newman today in recognizing the many contributions made by Latino businesses and to encourage Americans to shop local and support National Latino Small Business Day!"

According to a study by the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, Latinos are starting businesses at a faster rate than the national average across almost all industries. Additionally, the study found that Latino-owned employer businesses are growing revenues at one of the fastest rates in the country.

While Latino-owned businesses continue to grow, they are still significantly less likely than other small businesses to have loan applications approved by national banks. That's why Congresswomen Newman and Salazar, members of the House Committee on Small Business, continue to fight to ensure America's small businesses, particularly those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, have equal access to receive the support they need to thrive.

During National Small Business Week and especially on National Latino Small Business Day, Congresswomen Newman and Salazar encourage all residents to shop, celebrate and support their local Latino-owned small businesses.

The introduction of this resolution includes members from across the U.S. House of Representatives: Lou Correa, Jim Costa, Henry Cuellar, Adriano Espaillat, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Norma Torres and Chair of the House Small Business Committee Nydia Velázquez.

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