an interesting read about how this bad economy is hurting the Latino Business Owners and thus hurting the communities that rely on those taxes they collect.

 The Economy Hurting Latino Business Owners
Reported by: Carlos Correa

Running a small company can be tough, but during a recession — things can get even tougher.

Hispanic-business owners are facing new challenges as they work hard to keep their doors open.

Patricia Romero and her husband Carlos are working hard to keep the light on at their novelty store in central Springfield.

“It’s difficult running a business because we have to pay all the bills. We have to make sure the rent is paid every month. We have to make sure the utilities are paid off, the cable and the water. It’s very hard starting a new small business,” she said.

Romero spent a lot of time making up a business plan, but there was nothing to help her prepare for the sinking economy.

“During an economic crisis, the ones affected the most are Hispanic families. Many Hispanics are losing jobs and having a hard time finding work, which impacts our business because they don’t have the money to spend,” she says. [ozarksfirst.com]