Results are reported from a Latino immigrant entrepreneur needs assessment survey. The research project was conducted to identify barriers to business formation and continuation within the target population. A total of 171 surveys representing more than 200 businesses from 39 communities in 21 counties in western Arkansas were collected. Nearly 42% of respondents cited start-up capital as their biggest barrier with another 15% naming it as the second biggest barrier. Understanding government regulations and tax information rated as the second biggest barrier that Latinos encountered. This barrier is more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas. Other top concerns include advertising, location, and obtaining licenses and permits. A closer examination of barriers finds nuanced differences between rural and urban entrepreneurs. Outreach programs and materials developed in response to research findings are presented.

This article describes a survey of Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs in a New Destination state. Results focus on the human capital, educational aspirations, and motivations. Findings challenge the idea that most Hispanic immigrants start up businesses because of limited human capital, discrimination, or blocked opportunities in the workforce. Rather, these entrepreneurs leverage accumulated human capital in the form of education, experience, and personal initiative, and express strong interest in continuing education though not necessarily formal higher education.

This article describes the materials and training program that Extension created to assist current and potential Latino immigrant entrepreneurs in starting businesses in Arkansas. The content-based educational materials describe the process for starting a new business, government regulatory requirements, start-up costs and considerations, and how to organize important documents. All items were designed with the ultimate goal of providing business owners with worksheets and an organizational system that can be used to write a business plan.

This article describes the materials and training program that Extension created to assist current and potential Latino immigrant entrepreneurs in starting businesses in Arkansas. The content-based educational materials describe the process for starting a new business, government regulatory requirements, start-up costs and considerations, and how to organize important documents. All items were designed with the ultimate goal of providing business owners with worksheets and an organizational system that can be used to write a business plan.