Business Commons^™

Out Of Africa: Somali Immigrants Bring Entrepreneurial Spirit To The Great Plains, Riza Dogan

Riza Dogan

ABSTRACT The Great Plains have long been a magnet for immigrants, with a huge influx of settlers, mostly of European descent, moving into the area following the 1862 Homestead Act. A century later, some towns in Central Nebraska such as Lexington and Grand Island were transformed by thousands of Hispanic immigrants moving to the region to take advantage of job opportunities. In the past decade, a new wave of Somali immigrants has moved into the region, also in search of greater opportunity, bringing with them a spirit of entrepreneurship. This increased diversity has created challenges and opportunities. Providing expanded support, …