Michigan shoppers urged to support Latino-owned businesses

A Hispanic Heritage Month campaign launched by Aquí: The Accountability Movement asks Michiganders to spend at least $30 at a Latino-owned business.

Southwest Detroit is home to a large Hispanic community, where people can grab a meal, browse a shop or discover a local artist, all while supporting Latino-owned businesses.

The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce estimates across the state, 25,000 businesses are owned by Latinos. Samuel Garcia, communications specialist with the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, said many of them are trying to make their mark.

“A lot of these businesses are really just a small business trying to figure out a way to become something in this city, in this state that has a lot to bring,” Garcia said. “And our organization is always trying to support these small business owners and trying to help the entrepreneurship in southwest Detroit.”

Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15. Garcia said even a $15 purchase can help a small business.

The campaign’s organizers say they chose the $30 goal to make participation more accessible. Sindy Benavides, Aquí’s executive director, estimates if 10% of U.S. households take part, it could generate $400 million for Latino-owned businesses.

“So when we’re talking about the larger picture, this is impacting everyone,” Benavides stressed. “So, buying Latino really is building America.”

The latest available Census Bureau figures show in 2023, about 496,000 Hispanic-owned businesses had paid employees, which is about 8% of all U.S. businesses with employees.

Publisher’s Notes: “Michigan shoppers urged to support Latino-owned businesses” was first published on Public News Service and was republished with permission.

Part of Michigan Latino News’ mission is to amplify the work of others in providing greater visibility and voice to the Hispanic, Latino community.

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