How Immigrants in the Twin Cities Build the Economy — and Revitalize Neighborhoods
How Immigrants in the Twin Cities Build the Economy — and Revitalize Neighborhoods
From 2000-2013, immigrants accounted for 48 percent of the overall growth of business ownership in the United States, uncovers the latest AS/COA and Fiscal Policy Institute report.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, Tibetan immigrant Ngawang Dakpa towered above the center of his small arts-and-gifts shop in Minneapolis’ Midtown Global Market, acknowledging his customers’ presence with a nod and a soft smile.
Meditation tools, singing bowls and hand-sewn rugs covered the walls of the Tibet Arts & Gifts shop Dakpa established nine years ago, while dresses, skirts, scarves, jackets, silver and stone jewelry imported from India and Nepal were available elsewhere in the little shop.
Dakpa is among 5,700 immigrants who own small businesses in the Twin Cities area, as documented in a recent study conducted by the New York City-based researchers at Fiscal Policy Institute, which partnered with the Americas Society/Council of the Americas group.
Beyond identifying the sheer number of foreign-born business owners, the 41-page report, “Bringing Vitality to Main Street: How Immigrant Small Businesses Help Local Economies Grow,” also uncovers surprising facts about immigrant-owned small businesses in the U.S. Among other things....
