Mayor Ben McAdams joined Don Salazar, VP of Government Relations and Chair of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on “Hispanic Entrepreneurship Day” in Salt Lake County.
An event held with local business leaders and Salazar at the county recognized the contributions and accomplishments of the more than 8,000 Hispanic-owned firms here.
“Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in Utah,” said McAdams. “Hispanic-owned businesses grown three times faster than the average growth for a typical Utah business. That growth plays an important role in our local and regional economy. These entrepreneurs strongly represent the American Dream of working hard and owning a business and creating jobs.”
McAdams noted that although Hispanics currently make up a relatively small share of the total business in the United States compared to non-Hispanics, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses is growing quickly. He said they add to U.S.-based job creation and as such, represent a significant economic growth opportunity.
Salazar said, “Hispanic-owned small businesses are a vital driver of the economic growth and American jobs. In Salt Lake County, these businesses make up roughly 50 percent of all Hispanic-owned businesses in the state of Utah—which is one of the fastest growing economies in the country. Today more than 10,000 Hispanic-owned firms contribute billions to the state’s economy, every year. The USHCC is proud to celebrate the accomplishments and influence of the Hispanic community in the Beehive State.”
The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $668 billion to the American economy annually. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide.
