Celebrate Hispanic Heritage, Stand with Latino-Owned Businesses

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture, traditions, and contributions of Latinos. In California, those contributions are clear: more than 800,000 Latino-owned businesses generate over $100 billion each year and represent nearly 1 in 4 entrepreneurs in the state. They are powering California’s economy and fueling our communities.

But instead of supporting these businesses, state energy mandates and regulations are making it harder for them to survive. Latino-owned businesses often operate on razor-thin margins, and higher fuel and electricity costs hit them the hardest. For industries like construction, trucking, food service, and delivery—where energy is essential—these costs can be devastating.

Ramiro Alarcón, who owns Cielito Lindo Catering, put it best:

“My passion for cooking comes from my Mexican roots. But California’s electric vehicle mandates affect me directly. My trucks run on gasoline, and switching to electric would be very difficult because charging stations aren’t always available. We ask policymakers to consider us, because too often we are the ones most affected.”

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor our community’s contributions not only with celebration, but with action. Shop small. Support your local Latino-owned businesses. And stand with them by demanding energy policies that are fair, affordable, and inclusive.

Take Action

• Read our Small Business Fact Sheet to learn more.
• Tell your elected officials: Latino small businesses deserve a fair shot – this month and every month.