LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Dozens of Latino entrepreneurs packed a workshop Monday to learn how to obtain their business license.
At a time when fear is keeping some immigrant business owners from opening their doors, the East Las Vegas Library filled up with people determined to do the opposite – to start something new.
“Immigrant communities are really suffering because they closed Broadacres. There’s a lot of fear, so we’re just trying to say business is good, get out there and hopefully we can help you,” said Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom.
This free workshop walked entrepreneurs through every step of getting a business license all in Spanish. For attendees who are working on starting their own business, the information comes at a crucial time.
“We are in the process and with this information we received I think it’s important to saturate ourselves with all the information to be able to say, ‘I can do this, of course I can do this,’” said attendee Claudia Sanchez in Spanish.
“I immigrated here recently and the process of opening a business is totally different here. There are other licenses in my country and so it’s really complicated and it’s important to know this information,” said attendee Pamela.
Organizers said the goal is to replace uncertainty with clear steps – so no one has to choose between operating in the shadows or shutting down.
“Whether they’re from Mexico or El Salvador or Guatemala or wherever they’re from its important that the comm know that this is a county that respects you, that values you and wants you to grow your businesses here,” Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy said.
For Erika Rodriguez, this workshop was about taking control after years of struggling with wage theft.
“It’s injustice, and we as Latinos they take advantage of us, and I think it’s enough and I want to prepare myself and have my own business,” Rodriguez said in Spanish.
For many, the message of the workshop was clear, fear shouldn’t stop you from chasing your dreams even in uncertain times.
“I am going to fight to prepare myself and get my own license to succeed in this country more than anything for my son,” Rodriguez said.
County officials said more workshops like these are planned – part of an effort to make sure immigrant entrepreneurs have the knowledge, and resources to keep moving forward.
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