Human Capital Attributes of Hispanic Immigrant Entrepreneurs in a New Destination State

Abstract

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.

A qualitative study on motivators and barriers affecting entrepreneurship among Latinas

“…Another limitation is the number of interviewees. However, the findings in this study broadly corroborate other studies on barriers for Latin American entrepreneurship (Moon and Farmer, 2014; Moon et al , 2014; Smith-Hunter, 2004) and provide rich and nuanced insights. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, a comparative group such as Latino young men or non-Latina young women was not interviewed.…”

“…Female entrepreneurs experience difficulties in finding available mentors and building networks outside of family (De Vita et al , 2014; Modarresi et al , 2017; Robb et al , 2014; Roomi and Parrott, 2008). Specifically, for Latina entrepreneurs, connections to other business owners in the community are weaker than the connections for their male counterparts (Moon and Farmer, 2014; Smith-Hunter, 2004).…”

“…Female entrepreneurs with more educational attainment do not receive as great of a return, in terms of financial success, as do their male counterparts (Smith-Hunter, 2004). Latina entrepreneurs have smaller businesses compared to male entrepreneurs and face greater obstacles in obtaining financial capital (Moon and Farmer, 2014; Moon et al , 2014; Smith-Hunter, 2004). Furthermore, a recent literature review (Panda, 2018) indicated key constraints faced by female entrepreneurs in developing countries that included gender discrimination; work-family conflict; financial constraints; lack of infrastructural support; unfavorable business, economic and political environments; lack of entrepreneurship training, education; and personality-based constraints.…”