It is a well-established pattern played out in every new wave of immigration – the first generation opens businesses to serve their countrymen. And the easiest businesses to get started and keep going are those that address the basics – groceries, cleaners, retail shops.
But the next generation becomes the connective tissue that helps to integrate the new Americans with the rest of the country and unlock the full potential of those who came here looking for a better life.
As Providence Business News’ Focus on Minority Business this week shows, the second generation from the immigrant community is reaching out and serving as a bridge to the wider culture – and the broader business community. And they are doing it with professional services such as accounting firms, marketing businesses and the like.
Thankfully, the state’s economic-development agencies are very active in reaching out to these new businesses and providing guidance and capital. It won’t be long before today’s immigrants are tomorrow’s successful entrepreneurs and leaders. •