10 Ways To Support Latino-Owned Businesses In Your City

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

latina working food stall — Photo by Israel Torres

Every year, Latino Heritage Month shines a spotlight on the contributions and creativity of Latino communities across the country. But showing support shouldn’t be limited to just one month; it can become a meaningful habit year-round. Latino-owned businesses are vital to local economies, offering everything from unique food and culture to innovative services and jobs. Supporting them doesn’t require a big effort; just small, intentional choices. Here are 10 practical ways you can start making a difference today.

1. Shop with Intention

It’s easy to fall back on big-box stores or chain restaurants out of habit. But every time you spend money, you’re casting a “vote” for the kind of businesses you want to see thrive. By choosing Latino-owned restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques, and service providers, you’re putting dollars directly into your community. Start small: pick one local Latino-owned business to visit regularly, whether it’s your go-to for morning coffee, a family dinner, or unique gifts. Over time, those consistent purchases add up to real support.

2. Leave a Review, Share the Love

Online reviews are the new word of mouth, and they carry serious weight. A five-star Yelp or Google review not only boosts credibility but also helps businesses rank higher in search results. If you had a great meal, service, or shopping experience, take two minutes to write a quick review. Be specific about what you enjoyed; it makes the review more trustworthy.

3. Spread the Word Offline

Not everything has to live online. Some of the most effective support happens in conversations. Tell coworkers about the amazing pupusas you tried last weekend or recommend a local Latino-owned mechanic to a neighbor. Many people want to shop locally but don’t know where to start, so your personal recommendation can bridge the gap. A single post can introduce dozens of new customers to a business they might never have discovered.

4. Budget for Community Support

We all have recurring expenses such as food, clothes, services, and gifts. By intentionally planning to spend part of that budget at Latino-owned businesses, you ensure your support is consistent. Need catering for a work event? Look for a Latino-owned restaurant. Planning a birthday party? Source your decorations, cake, or entertainment locally. Even shifting 10 or 15% of your usual spending to Latino-owned businesses can make a measurable difference in their revenue and growth.

5. Show Up Beyond the Checkout

old latina woman in front of her food stand — Photo by Hazel Montero

Money matters, but presence matters too. Many Latino entrepreneurs participate in street fairs, cultural festivals, or pop-up events to connect with the community. Show up to those events (and bring people with you), even if you’re not planning to make a big purchase. Attending builds visibility, strengthens community ties, and shows business owners that their work is valued.

6. Use Your Skills to Help

Running a business often means wearing every hat, including marketer, accountant, tech support, and customer service rolled into one. If you have expertise in areas like digital marketing, bookkeeping, web design, or social media strategy, offer to help. Even a one-hour session to walk a business owner through setting up Instagram ads or organizing their accounting software can be transformative. If you can’t give your time directly, connect them to resources, workshops, or training programs that could lighten their load.

7. Advocate for Fair Opportunities

Latino-owned businesses often face systemic barriers when it comes to accessing loans, grants, or contracts. While you might not be a policymaker, you do have a voice. Support initiatives that expand minority business funding in your city. Advocacy ensures that support goes beyond individuals and becomes embedded in systems.

8. Explore Business Directories

Sometimes, people don’t know where to find Latino-owned businesses beyond the ones in their immediate neighborhood. Many chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, and community groups publish directories of Latino-owned businesses. These lists are often available online and cover everything from restaurants and shops to service providers like lawyers, contractors, and health clinics. Bookmark one of these directories and use it whenever you’re looking for something new. Share it with friends and family so they can join in the effort.

9. Celebrate the Culture, Not Just the Product

When you buy from a Latino-owned business, you’re engaging with culture as much as commerce. Enjoy the flavors of traditional recipes, the artistry of handcrafted goods, or the rhythms of live music. Show curiosity and appreciation by asking about the history behind a dish or the story of a design. This turns your purchase into a cultural exchange and shows business owners that their heritage, not just their product, is valued.

10. Support Their Growth Online

hand holding phone with social media apps — Photo by Magnus Mueller

Social media algorithms reward engagement, but small businesses often struggle to compete with bigger brands for visibility. You can help by following Latino-owned businesses on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, liking their posts, leaving comments, and sharing promotions with your network. Even if you can’t shop there every week, boosting their digital presence costs nothing and amplifies their reach.