From Toronto, it’s hard not to be inspired by the numbers coming out of the United States about Latino entrepreneurship. According to the Latino Donor Collaborative, Latinos generated a staggering $3.6 trillion in economic output in 2022—the equivalent of the fifth-largest economy in the world. Even more striking, Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. grew by over 40% in the past five years, with revenues jumping by a third.

These gains have been made visible thanks to research initiatives like the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI), which has spent a decade tracking this often-overlooked segment of the U.S. economy. Their 2025 summit showed how Latino entrepreneurs are not only contributing but shaping the country’s future growth.

A Lesson in Community and Ecosystems

One of the strongest takeaways for Canadians is the role of community and networks. U.S. Latino founders highlight that “community building” is their superpower, helping them gain access to capital, mentorship, and new markets. Across the U.S., regional startup hubs are popping up—from Los Angeles to Chicago and Boston—providing talent pipelines, investor access, and entrepreneurial support.

Here in Canada, where Latino and immigrant entrepreneurs also face barriers to funding and visibility, this model of regional hubs and networks could be a blueprint. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal already boast diverse populations and strong innovation ecosystems—there’s an opportunity to deepen support tailored to underrepresented groups.

Innovation and Global Expansion

Another trend that stands out is the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence among Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. Nearly three-quarters of them report using AI to improve efficiency, often with a people-first approach focused on worker upskilling. At the same time, many are cautious, raising important conversations about ethical AI and systemic bias—conversations Canada must also prioritize as AI integration accelerates here.

Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S. are also looking beyond their borders, investing in Latin America’s booming tech market, which hit $4.2 billion in investment in 2024. Canadian founders could take note: cultural fluency and cross-border ties aren’t just advantages—they’re becoming essential to scaling globally.

Resilience in Uncertain Times

The U.S. business climate is turbulent, with new tariffs, shifting immigration policies, and volatility in capital markets under the Trump administration. Yet, Latino entrepreneurs are pushing forward by adapting daily, building strong networks, and preparing for constant change.

That resilience—the ability to thrive despite barriers—is something entrepreneurs in Canada can relate to and learn from. As our own economy slows, stories like these are reminders of how much strength lies in community, adaptability, and long-term vision.