A World of Opportunity

Jonathan Bowles and Tara Colton

2007, 59 pages. Center for an Urban Future, 120 Wall St., Floor 20, New York, NY 10005, 212-479-3341, www.nycfuture.org

Download pdf: www.nycfuture.org

This report from the Center for an Urban Future examines the economic impact that immigrant entrepreneurs have on an urban envi-ronment. Focusing its research in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Houston, the report identifies the challenges faced by grow-ing immigrant populations when establishing new businesses. These challenges include a difficulty understanding laws and regula-tions because of language barriers, a very low success rate due to the high costs and fierce competition in urban cities, a disconnect from non-immigrant resources, and difficulties securing financial backing from banks. The report also provides recommendations for government, banks, and foundations for increasing the strength of immigrant-based entrepreneurship.