Metros with the Most Hispanic-Owned Startups

As Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th to October 15th) approaches, a new analysis of US Census Bureau data by TruckInfo.net highlights the significant contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy, while also revealing a stark underrepresentation in new business formation. 

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Despite comprising nearly 19% of the U.S. population, Hispanic entrepreneurs own just 8.6% of all startups. This discrepancy underscores both the challenges and the untapped potential within the Hispanic community. However, in certain industries and metropolitan areas, Hispanic entrepreneurs are making an outsized impact.

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Transportation & Warehousing Leads the Way for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

Transportation and warehousing is the leading industry for Hispanic-owned startups, with 15% of all businesses in the sector being Hispanic-owned. This is nearly twice the national average across industries and outpaces other sectors like construction and food services.

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A Closer Look: Hispanic Entrepreneurs in the Nation’s Largest Metros

Though underrepresented nationally, Hispanic-owned startups are particularly concentrated in specific metropolitan areas, many of which are located in California, Texas, and Florida. These regions boast vibrant Hispanic communities and a strong entrepreneurial presence.

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Below is a ranking of the top 10 large metros with the highest concentration of Hispanic-owned startups.

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10. Santa Rosa, CA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 21%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 297
• Most common industry: Admin support & waste management
• Hispanic population (%): 28.9%

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9. Bakersfield, CA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 21.3%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 392
• Most common industry: Admin support & waste management
• Hispanic population (%): 56.8%

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8. Visalia-Porterville, CA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 27.9%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 146
• Most common industry: Retail Trade
• Hispanic population (%): 67.0%

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7. Las Cruces, NM

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 28.2%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 101
• Most common industry: Health care and social assistance
• Hispanic population (%): 69.1%

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6. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 28.8%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 10,492
• Most common industry: Professional, scientific, and technical services
• Hispanic population (%): 46.4%

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5. El Centro, CA

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 35.1%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 78
• Most common industry: Manufacturing
• Hispanic population (%): 86.1%

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4. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 43.7%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 534
• Most common industry: Health care and social assistance
• Hispanic population (%): 92.5%

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3. Laredo, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 49.2%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 265
• Most common industry: Transportation and warehousing
• Hispanic population (%): 95.3%

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2. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 50.2%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 273
• Most common industry: Health care and social assistance
• Hispanic population (%): 89.8%

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1. El Paso, TX

• Startups that are Hispanic-owned: 57.5%
• Hispanic-owned startups: 1,000
• Most common industry: Other services (except public administration)
• Hispanic population (%): 82.9%

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Underrepresentation in the Startup Landscape

While Hispanic-owned startups are making significant gains in specific sectors and metros, they remain underrepresented nationally. Hispanic entrepreneurs own just 8.6% of all startups, compared to their nearly 19% share of the U.S. population.

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Full Data & Methodology

Data was sourced from the US Census Bureau’s 2022 release (the most recent available with data for 2021). Startups were defined as firms with fewer than two years in business. 

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