Why Latino Entrepreneurs Need More Support
We see it every day, Latino entrepreneurs launching businesses with grit, drive, and creativity, yet still struggling to access the support they need. It’s not because they lack talent or ideas. It’s because the systems around them weren’t built with their success in mind.
In San Antonio, nearly two-thirds of our population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Yet access to capital, contracts, and consistent business support remains disproportionately out of reach for Latino-owned businesses. That’s not just a data point, it’s a warning sign.
If the fastest-growing business demographic in our city is still being underserved, something needs to change. And we’re stepping up to be part of that change.
The Gaps Are Clear—So Why Do They Persist?
Let’s get real: funding doesn’t flow evenly. Reports show that Latino-owned businesses receive less than 2% of venture capital nationwide, and only a small fraction of government contracts are awarded to minority-owned businesses in Bexar County. Even basic services like business advising, licensing help, or digital literacy training often miss the mark when they don’t meet Latino entrepreneurs where they are—culturally, linguistically, or geographically.
We’ve met small business owners who have been in operation for years, but no one ever helped them set up proper bookkeeping. We’ve worked with entrepreneurs who’ve been shut out of grant opportunities because the application process assumed a level of language fluency or digital access they didn’t have.
That’s not a failure of effort on their part. That’s a failure of infrastructure.
Representation Matters—But It’s Not Enough
We know representation is powerful. Seeing other Latino business owners thrive can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. But inspiration alone won’t pay invoices or fix backend systems.
Our community needs more than role models. We need pathways. That includes resources tailored to Spanish-speaking founders, programs that don’t require tech expertise just to participate, and partners who understand that growth looks different for every business.
Some entrepreneurs want to expand nationally. Others just want to hire two employees and stabilize their income. Both deserve support.
What We’re Doing About It
At Emerge and Rise, we’ve built our model to serve the people who too often get overlooked. That includes a large portion of Latino-owned small businesses in San Antonio.
Here’s how we show up:
We work in plain English and plain Spanish. If you prefer to speak in Spanglish, we’ll meet you there too.
We don’t assume you have a tech background. We teach digital tools hands-on.
We offer programs focused on sustainability, acquisition, and revenue, not just “startup hype.”
We provide mailing address services and registered agent support, because not everyone can afford or needs a full office space.
We build trust before offering solutions. No cookie-cutter coaching here.
We don’t run pitch competitions. We build real relationships.
We Believe in Building With, Not For
Too many organizations create programs for Latino entrepreneurs without actually listening to them. That’s a waste of time and resources. We design with input, not assumptions.
We’ve held listening sessions with taquería owners, veterans transitioning into HVAC businesses, Latina founders building cleaning service empires, and side hustlers turning into storefronts. Each story is different, but one thing is the same: they are tired of being overlooked and underestimated.
We’re not here to be saviors. We’re here to be allies. And that means rolling up our sleeves and helping business owners take the next step, whatever that looks like.
Let’s Talk About Wealth
Business ownership is one of the most effective ways to build generational wealth. But it only works when business owners are supported through the ups and downs.
If Latino-owned businesses are underbanked, undercapitalized, and under-mentored, then our local economy is underperforming. Plain and simple.
This isn’t a “nice to have.” This is economic development.
Supporting Latino entrepreneurs doesn’t just change individual outcomes. It lifts entire neighborhoods. It puts more local dollars into circulation. It creates jobs that actually stay in San Antonio. And it begins to close a racial wealth gap that’s persisted for far too long.
Final Word
If you’re a Latino entrepreneur who’s been figuring it out on your own, we want you to know—you don’t have to.
Whether you’re building something new or growing something you’ve had for years, we have resources designed for your stage, your story, and your future.
📣 Let’s Work Together
At Emerge and Rise, we support Latino-owned businesses across San Antonio with strategy, resources, and space to grow. From one-on-one help to full programming, we’re ready to meet you where you are. > Let’s build something that lasts.
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