Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Listening To The Unheard: Perceptions, Goals, And Challenges Of Latinx Small Business Owners In Suburban Cook County, Kendra Shaw

Capstone Projects – Politics and Government

This applied research project examines the perceptions, goals, and challenges Latinx small business owners face when participating in daily business activities and attempting to access resources. Through nine in-depth interviews with business owners in Berwyn, Illinois, and personal observations and professional discussions, this capstone identifies critical barriers, such as: language, “missing links” to resources, exclusionary marketing practices, and weak connections to financial institutions and governmental entities. In response, this study offers recommendations to economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, city governments, and business communities. Specifically, entities need to embrace inclusive marketing practices, design financial programs through a more equitable lens, …