By Oscar Garcia
Senior Vice President, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and Director of Business Development
Latino-owned businesses are the backbone of California’s economy. More than 815,000 strong, they generate over $100 billion annually and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. They are family-run restaurants, construction companies, retail shops, and professional services that keep our communities thriving.
Every day, I see the determination and creativity of these entrepreneurs, who bring our culture and traditions to life while building a better future for the next generation.
But today, too many of these businesses are under immense strain. California’s affordability crisis is making it harder to keep doors open. Rising fuel and energy costs, mounting regulations, and policies that don’t reflect the realities of small business are stretching entrepreneurs to the breaking point. Instead of focusing on growth and serving their communities, many owners spend their time navigating burdensome requirements just to survive.
At the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), we are proud to provide resources, advocacy, and opportunities for Latino businesses. Yet our efforts can only go so far. To ensure these businesses thrive, state leaders must adopt policies that reflect their importance to California’s prosperity.
Energy policy illustrates this challenge clearly. Gas prices in California—driven in large part by taxes and fees—are already the highest in the nation. That hits hardest in industries like construction, catering, transportation, and agriculture, where Latino entrepreneurs and workers are heavily represented. Meanwhile, the state’s ambitious push toward electrification requires small businesses to invest in costly new fleets and equipment before charging infrastructure is widely available. Layered on top of rising utility bills, rent, and material costs, these burdens push many Latino-owned businesses to the brink.
I hear from entrepreneurs every day who want to contribute to California’s future but feel increasingly left behind. These are families innovating, creating jobs, and serving their communities, yet they are being squeezed by rising costs that outpace revenues. For them, affordability is not a political slogan; it is an urgent request for sensible policies that balance environmental goals with economic realities.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring Latino businesses must mean more than celebration. It requires action. State lawmakers should commit to energy, tax, and regulatory policies that give Latino-owned businesses the chance not just to survive, but to grow. Supporting these businesses strengthens families, builds resilient communities, and drives the economy forward.
California’s future depends on the strength of its small businesses, and Latino entrepreneurs are ready to play a vital role in that future. Ensuring they thrive is not just good policy, it’s a powerful investment in California’s families, communities, and shared prosperity.
And that is something truly worth celebrating.