House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2024

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

EXPRESSING support for Arizona's Latina-owned businesses.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, according to a 2015 report by the United States Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 97.1% of all employers in Arizona and employ over two-fifths of this state's private workforce; and

Whereas, according to a 2014 study conducted by American Express OPEN, the number of women-owned firms grew at a rate one and one-half times the national average; and

Whereas, the American Express OPEN study estimated that, as of 2014, there were nearly 9.1 million women-owned enterprises nationally, employing nearly 7.9 million workers and generating over $1.4 trillion in revenues; and

Whereas, the percentage of women-owned small business employers in this state is steadily increasing; and

Whereas, Arizona ranks as one of the top states for women-owned firms in terms of growth in number and economic clout; and

Whereas, Latina business owners are a growing force behind this trend; and

Whereas, the American Express OPEN study estimated that Latinas owned more than one million firms nationally in 2014 and generated an estimated $71.1 billion in revenue; and

Whereas, over the past 17 years, the number of Latina-owned firms has more than tripled, increasing by 206% nationally; and

Whereas, a 2012 Kauffman Firm Survey found that Latina-owned businesses represent the fastest growing segment of the women-owned business market; and

Whereas, Latina business owners help retain local jobs and empower their respective communities, and their achievements and talents as entrepreneurs must be acknowledged; and

Whereas, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers a Latina Business Enterprises program that provides ongoing training and capacity‑building initiatives to Latina business owners; and

Whereas, organizations such as Local First Arizona and Fuerza Local have started an Accelerator Program that is designed to teach Spanish‑speaking business owners important basic skills that are necessary for owning and operating a business; and

Whereas, it is important to recognize the efforts of these organizations that provide support to Latina-owned businesses, which greatly benefit Arizona's economy and contribute to the fabric of its communities; and

Whereas, these organizations provide increased appreciation, support and devotion of resources such as technical assistance and programs to Latina business owners, which serves to strengthen Arizona's overall economic activity and growth.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature recognize and encourage the continued development and success of Arizona's Latina business leaders and the organizations that support them.