Yesterday, Congresswoman Janice Hahn (CA-44) hosted Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet in Carson where they toured a local immigrant-owned small business, the Trinity African General Store. Congresswoman Janice Hahn is an active member of the House Small Business Committee and this visit provided an opportunity for her to demonstrate the important role immigrant entrepreneurs play in the local economy in her communities.
"Small businesses create jobs across the country and help our economy prosper," said Congresswoman Janice Hahn. "Many of the American small business owners who work hard and take risks are immigrants. Immigrants are more than twice as likely to start a small business and their ingenuity and hard work mean economic growth and job creation in our communities. Immigrants like Chinyere Ifeacho, the owner of Trinity African General Store, risk their life savings in hopes of a more prosperous future and create opportunities for their families and their neighbors."
The owner of the Trinity African General Store, Chinyere Ifeacho, is an immigrant from Nigeria and opened her store in Carson in 2011. Her store sells African clothing, food and cosmetics and caters to a growing African population in Carson and the greater Los Angeles Area.
"Trinity African General Store is a neighborhood grocer with international flair. It's small businesses like this that are adding diversity and flavor to the Los Angeles community, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of America," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. "Small businesses like these create 2 out of 3 net new jobs in the private sector, driving the U.S. economy for a better tomorrow while creating the culture that makes a community come alive."
"Administrator Contreras-Sweet herself is an immigrant entrepreneur and understands the challenges facing immigrant small business owners as well as the assets they provide the American economy," continued Congresswoman Hahn. "She has been an incredible advocate for entrepreneurial success and I was glad to have the opportunity to show her an example of the unique entrepreneurial spirit in Carson."
Chinyere Ifeacho .who is also a minister, thanked God for her experience. "I just want to thank God for America, and for these two wonderful and important ladies, Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet," said Chinyere Ifeacho. "That they would care about my little business and want to help me to be a success. . . I am overwhelmed! I thank God that this government has a heart for Africa and for African immigrants in this country. The entire Nigerian community in the South Bay is excited to be included and have our voices heard so far from home. . . This is now my home!