Kansas City, Missouri, August 10, 2025
News Summary
Kansas City hosted the UnidosUS Conference, where over 1,500 Latino advocates and entrepreneurs gathered to address the systemic barriers Latino businesses face. Keynote speeches highlighted the importance of supporting Latino entrepreneurship and the need for strategic business thinking to foster financial growth. Despite challenges such as wage disparities and rising living costs, speakers emphasized emerging opportunities that can lead to improved economic conditions for the community.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities for Latino Entrepreneurs Highlighted in Kansas City
Kansas City recently hosted the annual UnidosUS Conference, bringing together over 1,500 Latino advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to discuss the economic challenges and opportunities within the Latino business landscape. Despite being recognized as a vital force in the American economy, Latino entrepreneurs face systemic barriers that hinder their financial freedom and growth potential.
Key Address Highlights Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ruby Azurdia-Lee, president and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES), underscored the entrepreneurial spirit within the Latino community during her keynote speech. She emphasized CLUES’ vital role in assisting small businesses formalize their operations, including helping childcare providers expand their licensed capacity from three to fourteen children. This effort illustrates how strategic support can promote growth in the sector.
UnidosUS Leadership and Urgency for Action
Janet MurguÃa, president and CEO of UnidosUS, marked her 20th anniversary leading the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. She highlighted the urgency in addressing economic challenges faced by the community, calling for enhanced efforts to bolster Latino entrepreneurship. MurguÃa’s remarks served as a rallying cry for advocates to foster the economic advancement of Latino businesses.
Strategic Business Thinking for Wealth Creation
Marisa Calderón, president and CEO of Prosperity Now, encouraged Latino entrepreneurs to recognize their businesses not merely as income sources but as wealth-building assets. She urged the need for strategic organization of these enterprises in preparation for potential sale, emphasizing that such foresight can lead to long-term financial stability.
Employment Challenges and Opportunities
RocÃo Sáenz, international secretary-treasurer of SEIU, pointed to the prevalent issue of Latino workers being employed in low-wage positions. She noted that substantial organizing efforts have led to wage increases for workers in states like California, setting an example for similar initiatives elsewhere. Paul Granillo, CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, echoed this sentiment by advocating for further investment in training programs, particularly in the high-paying tech and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Economic and Community Dynamics
During the conference, speakers discussed how economic progression is closely tied to political engagement. Financial stability within the community fosters a greater sense of civic responsibility, allowing individuals to advocate for their rights and participate in peaceful protests amidst fears surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. This discussion underscores the interconnectedness of economic empowerment and political influence.
Local Economic Trends and Population Statistics
The census data reveals that the Hispanic population in Kansas City has reached a historic milestone, constituting 11% of the city’s demographic. Economic metrics indicate a positive trend, with the poverty rate among Hispanic residents decreasing to 14% in 2023. Childhood poverty has seen a significant decline from over one-third to 15.7% over the past decade, pointing towards improving conditions for families.
Employment and Cost of Living Concerns
Despite the progress, challenges linger, particularly regarding the cost of living and wage disparities. The options for affordable housing are shrinking, as the average rent for Hispanic residents skyrocketed from $922 to $1,194 over the last four years. This economic pressure is particularly concerning in the face of a notable gender pay gap that persists within the Hispanic community. However, local initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy and increasing language access are being implemented to enhance prosperity for the Hispanic community in Kansas City.
Conclusion
This year’s UnidosUS Conference highlighted the critical need for ongoing support, community organization, and strategic business development to foster an environment where Latino entrepreneurship can thrive. As local advocates and leaders unite to champion these causes, the future for Latino entrepreneurs in Kansas City holds promise amidst acknowledged challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the UnidosUS Conference?
The UnidosUS Conference is an annual event that gathers Latino advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to discuss economic challenges and opportunities in the Latino business landscape.
2. Why are Latino entrepreneurs important to the economy?
Latino entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the American economy as they drive innovation, create jobs, and boost economic growth within communities.
3. What challenges do Latino entrepreneurs face?
Latino entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding, high costs of living, and wage disparities, which hinder their financial freedom and business growth.
4. How has the Hispanic population in Kansas City changed over the years?
The Hispanic population in Kansas City has increased, reaching 11% of the city’s demographic, making it the highest percentage in a decade, with overall improvements in economic metrics.
5. What initiatives are being implemented to support Hispanic entrepreneurs in Kansas City?
Local initiatives focused on improving financial literacy, increasing language access, and formalizing small businesses have been developed to support the growth of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kansas City Hosts UnidosUS Annual Conference for Latino Entrepreneurs
Additional Resources
- Startland News: UnidosUS Kansas City
- KSHB: Hispanic Entrepreneurship on the Rise in KC
- Fox 4 KC: Grant Program for Hispanic Businesses
- Kansas City Star: Economic Trends
- Wikipedia: Hispanic and Latino Americans
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
