An assessment of Hispanic entrepreneurship in the United States

Hispanic businesses are the second-fastest-growing ethnic businesses in the United States, second to African American firms. This ethnographic research aims to contribute to the field of ethnic entrepreneurship by providing a holistic review of Hispanic entrepreneurs and Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. The study analyses Hispanic-owned businesses based on ethnicity, geographic location, labor sector of operation, gender, and income inequality. The data obtained for this study comes from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners by the U.S. Census Bureau. The study finds that (1) immigrants are more likely than natives to become entrepreneurs, (2) discrimination in the labor market and place of employment forces minorities to enter self-employment, and (3) Hispanics earn significantly less than their African American and White counterparts. There is limited research on Hispanic entrepreneurships and its economic implications. Further analysis is needed as the Hispanic population continues to grow and as Hispanic businesses continue to flourish.