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Washington, D.C. – During National Small Business Week, Aquí: The Accountability Movement, in collaboration with Representative Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, The Latino Community Foundation and other Latino business leaders and organizations, hosted a press conference in the U.S. Capitol to spotlight the vital economic contributions of Latinos to the U.S. economy.​

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The press conference underscored that Latino-owned businesses are the fastest-growing group of small enterprises in the U.S., with more than 5 million Latino/a entrepreneurs driving growth nationwide, according to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative. Despite contributing over $4.1 trillion to the U.S. GDP, Latinos remain underrepresented in media, investment, and policymaking.​

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Key Highlights from the Press Conference:

“We are not invisible—we are essential. Latino entrepreneurs have built over 5 million businesses across the U.S., generating $800 billion annually,” said Sindy Benavides, Executive Director of Aquí: The Accountability Movement. “That’s not just economic activity, it’s proof of power and resilience. At Aquí, we challenge systems that ignore or underinvest in Latino communities. We demand visibility, investment, and equity. We belong here. We grow this country together. Latinos are not guests—no somos huéspedes—in this country. We are builders, job creators, and innovators. This conference is a call to action for Latinos to see and claim their worth, and a call to policymakers to stand with us. Through Aquí, we’ll continue to hold power accountable because our community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.”

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“Latinos generate $4.1 trillion to the U.S. GDP—yet receive only a sliver of federal contracts and capital. That’s unacceptable. If we truly believe in American small businesses, we must invest in the ones growing fastest—and that’s Latino-owned businesses. El éxito de la comunidad Latina no es un puro accidente. Es algo que se trabaja diariamente.” Said Representative Adriano Espaillat, Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “Our message today is simple and powerful: We are America. Latino businesses have been a major source of job creation for decades. The government must expand the base so that more Latino entrepreneurs benefit from federal procurement. We need real access to capital and opportunity.”

“Latinos launch businesses at more than twice the national average—Latinas at six times. Either we invest in their growth or we stagnate as a nation. Only 2% of federal contracts in California go to Latino-owned businesses. That’s not just an oversight—that’s lost economic opportunity for all Americans. If we want a prosperous 21st century, it must be built by investing in Latino entrepreneurs,” said Julián Castro, CEO, Latino Community Foundation. “Today, the destiny of the United States is more intertwined than ever with the destiny of the Latino community. Latinos power economic growth in every industry—as consumers and as business owners. When we invest in Latino entrepreneurs, we fast-forward the nation’s economic growth. It’s good for everyone.”

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“Maria’s story is the American story. She sold her business to put her daughter through college—and came back stronger, creating jobs and buying the building she now owns. That’s the power of investing in our people. The Trump administration’s move to eliminate funding for CDFIs sends one message: they don’t want Maria to succeed. We must fight to keep these investments in our neighborhoods. This is about defending our communities—and building an economy that works for all. This is about America.” Said Rudy Espinoza, CEO, Inclusive Action while sharing the story of Maria, a small business owner and beneficiary of funding opportunities fueled by CDFI financing. “Right now, Latino entrepreneurs are creating jobs, building wealth, and revitalizing neighborhoods—but they’re doing it with limited access to the capital and support they deserve. If we’re serious about economic justice in this country, then we need to invest in the institutions that are already investing in us.” 

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The event concluded with a unified call to action: for the Latino community to recognize their own power, take pride in their economic contributions, and continue pushing for visibility, opportunity, and equity. As the speakers affirmed, Latinos belong in every room where decisions are made, especially when it comes to economic growth, wealth generation, and business innovation.

 

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About Aquí: The Accountability Movement: Aquí is a nonpartisan movement building collective power to demand accountability and visibility for Latinos in media, politics, and business. Learn more at www.aqui.org.