Over a quarter of all Arizona businesses are owned by racial and ethnic minorities. Despite its contribution to the economy, a new study by UCLA's Latino Policy & Politics Institute showed that ethnic-owned businesses, Latino business among them, confront disproportionate challenges to start and maintain them, including obstacles in securing financial capital, difficulties accessing relief funds, and heightened employee turnover during crises.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and an escalating emphasis on environmental consciousness, the study sheds light on the experiences of ethnic small business owners in Arizona. Utilizing a comprehensive approach including phone and web surveys, along with interviews, it focuses on key aspects such as access to capital, the impact of COVID-19, environmental sustainability practices, and climate change.
