Los Angeles has always been a city of builders—people who spot an opening, hustle a solution into the market, and scale through relationships. For Hispanic entrepreneurs, that energy isn’t a trend—it’s the backbone of entire neighborhoods and industries across the region.
But the climate in 2025–2026 is a mix of big opportunity and real pressure: strong demand and cultural market power on one side, and cost, cash flow, and financing friction on the other.
Mentorship isn’t just a feel-good concept in the world of business — it’s a strategic advantage with measurable impact. Whether you’re starting your first venture or scaling an existing small business, connecting with experienced entrepreneurs can accelerate your progress, boost your resilience, and improve your odds of long-term success. Today, evidence from multiple studies and industry reports highlights why mentoring matters for entrepreneurs and the economy as a whole.
In today’s economy, relying on a single income stream is no longer the norm. Rising living costs, job uncertainty, and the growth of digital platforms have made side hustles one of the most practical ways to increase income, build skills, and create long-term financial security.
Entrepreneur recently highlighted dozens of ways people are earning extra money on the side, ranging from online freelancing to local services and digital products. The message is clear: side income is no longer optiona
Chicago’s Latino business community is one of the city’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economic forces. Latino entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local jobs, community vibrancy, and the broader economy — yet even as their influence expands, challenges around equity and proportional representation persist.
Recent reporting highlights that there are more than 140,000 Latino-owned businesses across Chicago and the state of Illinois, generating a Latino GDP exc
Starting a business has never been “easy,” but the playing field has changed in ways that make right now unusually favorable for founders. Costs to launch and market have dropped, distribution is more direct than ever, and consumers are actively looking for brands that feel authentic, culturally aware, and community-centered. At the same time, one demographic is driving a disproportionate share of U.S. growth across population, spending, and entrepreneurship: Hispanics.
For entrepreneurs and
As Christmas approaches, storefronts along Main Street begin to glow with lights, window displays, and the unmistakable energy of the holiday season. Behind those windows are not faceless corporations, but neighbors, families, and entrepreneurs who power our local economy year-round. Choosing to shop local during the holidays is more than a seasonal trend—it’s a meaningful investment in the communities we call home.
Local businesses are the ba
As 2026 approaches, Latino entrepreneurs are entering one of the most important business-building moments in modern history. Latino-owned businesses continue to grow faster than the national average, Latino buying power keeps climbing, and the next wave of innovation is increasingly being driven by diverse founders who understand culture, community, and market gaps.
But momentum alone is not a strategy.
The entrepreneurs who will win in 2026 are those preparing today—financially, operationally,
Small Business Saturday, the weekend after Thanksgiving, has become a cultural and economic tradition—one that encourages consumers to support local businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year. But for the Hispanic community, this day carries even deeper significance.
Hispanic entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing forces in the U.S. economy, fueling job creation, innovation, and community development at remarkable rates. Supporting these businesses on Small Business Saturda
Latino entrepreneurs have become one of the most powerful engines of economic growth in the United States. Over the past decade, Latino-owned businesses have expanded faster than the national average, played a critical role in the post-pandemic recovery, and emerged as major contributors to employment, innovation, and community revitalization.
Today, the U.S. Latino economy is estimated in the trillions—large enough to rival some of the world’s biggest national economies. And with Latinos driv
For many professionals, entrepreneurship represents freedom — the ability to control your schedule, create something meaningful, and build long-term wealth. But behind every success story are countless lessons learned through preparation, persistence, and planning. Whether you’re starting a small business, launching a side hustle, or transitioning from corporate life, taking the entrepreneurial route requires clear-eyed consideration of the risks, rewards, and realities.
Befo
Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Reserve made a quiet but meaningful shift in policy. For the first time since December 2024, the Fed trimmed its benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point, lowering the target range to 4.00%–4.25%. The move signals a new phase of monetary policy, one aimed at stabilizing a cooling labor market rather than fighting runaway inflation.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that while inflation remains above the 2% target, the greater risk now is a slowdown
Every September and October, Hispanic Heritage Month provides a moment to honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community. Among the most impactful contributions is the remarkable rise of Latino entrepreneurship — a powerful force reshaping the U.S. economy, driving innovation, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Latino-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments in the U.S. economy. According to
The creative economy has always been a space for innovation and cultural expression, and Hispanic entrepreneurs are playing a transformative role within it. Across the United States, Latinos are launching businesses in film, music, theater, design, and live entertainment—industries that not only generate significant economic value but also carry the power to shape culture and representation.
For many Hispanic professionals, entrepreneurship in the arts is both an econom
Hispanic American entrepreneurs have long played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. economy, creating businesses that both serve their communities and drive national growth. From neighborhood barbershops and restaurants to multimillion-dollar enterprises, Hispanic entrepreneurship has been a story of creativity, determination, and cultural pride.
The history of Hispanic entrepreneurship in the U.S. is filled with pioneers who overcame systemic barriers to
Latino entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing groups of business owners in the United States, yet they remain severely underfunded. Despite representing a large share of new business formation, Latino founders receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. Latina women are even more underrepresented, receiving less than 0.1%.
At the same time, Latino-owned businesses are growing faster than the national average. From 2019 to 2022, Latino businesses expanded at a median annual growth rat
Source: Getty Images
For many professionals, a side gig begins as a spark—an idea fueled by passion, creativity, or the need to supplement income. Over time, that spark can grow into something more substantial, raising the question: When is the right time to turn your side hustle into your full-time career?
The decision is both exhilarating and daunting. It requires weighing financial realities, personal readiness, and cultural context. For Hispanic professionals in particular, entrepreneurship
Hispanic-owned small businesses are a vital component of Chicago's economic landscape, contributing significantly to the city's diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. As of 2025, these enterprises continue to demonstrate resilience and growth, despite facing unique challenges.
Economic Contributions and Growth
Hispanic-owned businesses in Chicago have shown remarkable growth over the past few years. Between 2017 and 2022, Latino or Hispanic-owned businesses grew in 204 of 227 U.S. metro areas, w
In 2025, Hispanic entrepreneurship continues to be one of the fastest-growing forces in the American economy. Hispanic-owned businesses are reshaping industries, generating employment, and driving innovation across the country — but also navigating unique challenges along the way.
The Growth Story
As of 2025, there are over 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S., contributing more than $800 billion to the American economy annually. The number of Latino-owned employer businesses grew by
In 2025, Hispanic entrepreneurs are driving economic growth and redefining the American Dream. With over 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses contributing more than $800 billion to the U.S. economy annually (Source: U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), entrepreneurship has become one of the most promising avenues for wealth creation and generational financial security within the Hispanic community.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters for Hispanics
Economic Mobility:
Entrepreneurship allows Hispanics to
My old mentor used to say, “Not every entrepreneur is cut out for success, and not every failure is a lost cause.” The entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about having a groundbreaking idea or a foolproof business plan. It’s about the habits we cultivate, the mindset we possess, and how we navigate through the unpredictability of the business world. Remember: success isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing it right. READ MORE AT PERSONAL BRANDING BLOG
