Latino Retail Entrepreneurship in Minnesota: Implications for Extension Educators

Abstract

Minnesota has become a “new destination” state for Latino migrants in the United States. What has made Latinos in Minnesota successful? In a narrower sense, what has provided them with a route out of poverty and an alternative to unemployment or discrimination in the labor market? Our purpose was to (a) compile characteristics associated with the Latino community and successful Latino-owned retail businesses in Minnesota, (b) identify unique problems encountered by Latino retail entrepreneurs, and (c) develop recommendations to overcome obstacles encountered. To meet our objectives, we employed two methods: a Delphi study with Latino community leaders and a case study with Latino retail entrepreneurs. Implications for Extension educators are discussed.

Keywords

• latino
• retail
• entrepreneurship
• extension
• case study
• delphi method