Department of Labor targets Hispanic business owners
Have you ever thought about starting your own business, but were too afraid to make the jump? The Idaho Department of Labor says you’re not alone — and it has a solution.
The best resource for entrepreneurs to get help is at the Idaho Department of Labor Business Services Program. Department Officials said there are tools, free resources and people to guide you. Another resource available is the Bingham Economic Development Corp.
Right now, the department is targeting Hispanics in Bingham County to start new businesses, but they encourage everyone to start local businesses.
Elias Trejo is a prime example of a Mexican American business owner. Trejo has lived in Idaho his entire life and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create several businesses. Now he works as a real estate agent for Idahoan Realty in Blackfoot.
“It is a tough world out there. It is kind of scary, but at the same time you can’t let your fear stop you from achieving your goal. We only get one shot at this thing called life, so why not just go after it?” said Trejo.
“Really educate yourself on what your city needs and what services are lacking, and if you think you have what it takes learn how to be a business owner. If you don’t have four years of business school, go talk to the Idaho Department of Labor,” Trejo said.
Trejo learned of the many resources provided by the department at a Hispanic Business Seminar held Wednesday in Blackfoot. The Bingham Economic Development Corp. organized the event.
The department said the reason Hispanics are being targeted is because of their growing population. Statistics from the department show Hispanics account for about a fifth of the population in Bingham County.
“Hispanics tend to be the most entrepreneurialand I think a lot of that has to do with work ethic. They work hard and want to live the American dream,” said Dan Cravens, Department of Labor economist.
Cravens also said local jobs come from new businesses and now is a good time to start one, with a slowly improving economy.
“People have more money to spend and that suits itself well to a climate where people can start a new business,” Cravens said.
