Immigrants fueling economy

Massachusetts has a large number of successful immigrant business owners helping the state's economy. - - Donna Poisl

Recently arrived residents thriving as entrepreneurs in Massachusetts

By Jon Towne CORRESPONDENT

WORCESTER — Starting a small business isn't easy. The work is hard, the hours are long, sometimes the pay is nonexistent, and there's no guarantee your entrepreneurial dream will succeed.

Now, think about doing that as an immigrant. You don't speak English, you have little money or credit, you're unfamiliar with regulations, and competitors may have the home-field advantage.

Despite those odds, Massachusetts' immigrant entrepreneurs are thriving. Latino- and Asian-owned businesses alone employ more than 50,000, with annual sales of more than $7 billion, according to the office of Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
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