Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Neighborhood Revitalization

The major objective of these studies was to assess the impact that immigrant entrepreneurs have on the three neighborhoods. The immigrant entrepreneurs we encountered contribute to the economy and quality of life of the neighborhoods they serve in a number of ways.

• Reviving commerce and investment in areas that had declined.
• Providing needed products and services.
• Addressing the particular needs of distinctive ethnic niches.
• Expanding beyond those niches.
• Incubating new businesses and, in some instances, mentoring new ethnic entrepreneurs.
• Attracting new customers.
• Providing some employment opportunities.
• Improving the physical quality and appearance of the buildings in which they operate and surrounding areas.
• Enhancing public safety.

The impact of immigrant entrepreneurs, therefore, is a positive one. They provide needed goods and services to existing residents and attract new customers adding to the economic life of the neighborhood. They enhance the physical well-being and appearance of the areas in which they operate and, in addition, help make them safer. Although many of the businesses are small operations, they provide some jobs and, as the size and number of businesses grow, those opportunities will increase. Many of the entrepreneurs do not sit still. They look to expand, branch-out and diversify. All in all, the immigrant businesses have proven to be engines of change that contribute to a feeling of stability.

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