Aspiring Entrepreneurs Shine at Immigrant Small Business Pitch Contest

The English for New Bostonians (ENB) recently hosted their annual “Immigrant Small Business Pitch” event, showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurship within the immigrant community. This event provided a platform for aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and celebrate their diverse success stories.

Six businesses participated in the event, presenting a range of offerings from a healthy bakery to a neuro linguistic service. Crafty Girls, a party service focused on crafting, took home the first-place prize, while an embroidery company, RayoJohis Designs, secured second place. Crafty Girls also won the people’s choice award, highlighting the creativity and talent of immigrant entrepreneurs.

Immigrants have a long history of entrepreneurship in the United States, with research showing they are 80% more likely to start businesses compared to American-born individuals. However, the current political climate has created safety concerns within immigrant communities, impacting their ability to thrive as entrepreneurs.

The event emphasized the importance of supporting diverse immigrant communities, with ENB board member Corean Reynolds highlighting the need to stand up for immigrants, especially during challenging times. The Immigrant Small Business Pitch event showcased the resilience, creativity, and contributions of immigrant communities to the broader business landscape, emphasizing the vital role they play in driving economic growth and innovation.