Nearly 70,000 Small Businesses in Virginia are Hispanic-Owned

**CLICK HERE for Photos of the Event**

**CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE B-ROLL: Spanberger Joins Carlos Castro in Hosting Hispanic Business Leaders from Across Virginia’s Seventh District for Roundtable Discussion**

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger yesterday hosted a roundtable discussion in Prince William County to hear directly from Hispanic business leaders, small-business owners, and entrepreneurs from across Virginia’s Seventh District.

Spanberger has long heard about the range of difficulties facing Hispanic-owned small businesses in Virginia — such as raising capital, language barriers, and workforce challenges. These challenges are also seen in the data, as Hispanic and minority-owned businesses have a harder time securing loans, face higher rejections rates, and are approved for lower loan amounts than white-owned businesses. In Virginia, nearly 70,000 small businesses are Hispanic-owned, representing more than nine percent of businesses in the Commonwealth. Nationwide, about one in four businesses are Hispanic-owned, and these businesses contribute $8 billion dollars to the American economy annually.

During the event — which was held at Todos Supermarket in Woodbridge, Virginia — Spanberger heard firsthand about the range of challenges facing Hispanic-owned small businesses in Virginia. Additionally, she answered questions, took feedback, and provided insight on federal legislation she has supported to bolster small businesses and entrepreneurs in Virginia’s Seventh District.

“I’ve seen firsthand the vital contributions of Hispanic-owned businesses to our local economy. In the U.S. House, I’ve been a strong supporter of responsible investments to improve access to the capital and resources necessary for Hispanic-owned businesses to thrive — because when small business thrives, Virginia thrives,” said Spanberger. “I want to thank all the business leaders, business owners, advocates, and entrepreneurs for taking the time to be here today. Your contributions to our community — driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting families – cannot be overstated.”

Spanberger was joined by Todos Supermarket Founder Carlos Castro, Prince William Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Council Chair Alfredo Athie, Prince William Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and Co-Chair Juan Chavarriaga, Hispanic business leaders, and additional representatives from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

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