Supporting Hispanic-Owned Businesses this Cinco De Mayo in San Antonio
San Antonio’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has taken an innovative approach to celebrate Cinco De Mayo by encouraging residents to support local Hispanic-owned businesses. The underlying message this Cinco De Mayo is that supporting local businesses goes a long way in preserving cultural heritage and boosting the local economy.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Advocacy for Hispanic Businesses
This year, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is going the extra mile to remind residents how crucial it is to support locally-owned Hispanic businesses. According to Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Steven Alaniz, it’s the local customer base that ensures the survival and growth of these businesses.
He further stated, “We’re advocating for our member businesses, we’re pushing them, promoting them, helping make those introductions so they can improve their mobility to grow their businesses and really it’s about serving Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business and businesses that serve Hispanics.”
Alaniz insists on the importance of supporting local Hispanic-owned businesses every day of the year, not just on festive occasions. This advocacy focuses on celebrating and bringing spotlight on what local businesses in San Antonio have to offer.
Promoting Culture and Local Economy
Pablo Rios, owner of the newly opened restaurant Barrio Dogs, mirrors Alaniz’s belief. Through his business, he hopes to expand people’s appreciation of Hispanic culture beyond just Cinco De Mayo. He said, “Our business is a business that celebrates the art, history, and culture of low riding so I think it’s very important that we celebrate culture in general.”
He also believes in the economic benefits of supporting local businesses, acknowledging that it does more than just keep his doors open. It provides jobs, fuels the San Antonio economy, and retains local wealth which is crucial for community development.
Residents Express Support for Local Businesses
Local residents, like Kenedy Navarro, also play a vital role in supporting these Hispanic-owned businesses. She emphasizes how unique and important these local businesses are to San Antonio’s identity. Shopping locally is an act she prioritizes not just for the unique items they offer, but also as a way of giving back to her community and supporting its local economic growth.
The Cinco De Mayo celebrations this year aim to bridge cultural appreciation with local economic evelopment. Backing Hispanic-owned businesses on this day and every day encourages cultural preservation and offers a unique platform for small businesses to thrive.