Suburbanisation and Migrant Entrepreneurship in the United States

Abstract

It is well documented that US metropolitan areas have experienced significant spatial, economic, and demographic changes, with increasing minority and immigrant populations living in the suburbs. At the same time, immigrant-owned businesses have seen substantial growth over the years and play important roles in serving unmet markets, hiring workers, and generating local economic development. This chapter uses national business datasets to examine the spatial patterns of migrant entrepreneurship and the performance of employer firms as indicated by the number of firms, employees, sales and receipts, and total annual payrolls for cities and suburbs over time across a broad array of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Atlanta serves as a case study site for more detailed analysis on the dynamics of suburban ethnic economy. Policy recommendations to support these businesses and preserve ethnic identity in face of redevelopment efforts are discussed in the conclusion.