Discover key highlights and solutions discussed at the Latina and Black Women Entrepreneurs Policy Forum, addressing barriers and empowering Black women in business.
Introduction
On February 4, over 40 women policymakers, researchers, and business leaders gathered at the UC Center Sacramento for the Latina and Black Women Entrepreneurs Policy Forum. Hosted by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI), the forum aimed to shed light on the structural inequities that Latina and Black women face in the business landscape and to explore data-driven policy solutions that foster equitable economic opportunities.
Addressing Structural Inequities
Opening Remarks
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-18) opened the forum with a compelling call to action. She emphasized the importance of grounding policy decisions in facts, research, data, and evaluation to effectively address systemic barriers. Bonta highlighted the critical need to protect generational wealth and humanity, especially in the context of rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles following the January 2025 wildfires.
“Our generational wealth is on the line. Our humanity is on the line … we are going to need to hold true to what we know, and we are going to have to base what we know not only in our lived experience but—thanks to the Latino Policy and Politics Institute—facts, research, data, and evaluation.”
Data-Driven Insights
Dr. Silvia R. González, director of research at LPPI, presented findings from The Economic Recovery & Entrepreneurship Project (TEREP). Her research highlighted significant growth in women-owned businesses in California, yet revealed stark disparities in financial access and economic security for Latina and Black women entrepreneurs.
- Women-Owned Businesses: Comprising 40% of California’s small businesses in 2021.
- Latinas: 25%
- Non-Latina Black Women: 7%
- Challenges:
- Predominantly non-employer businesses, limiting growth potential.
- Financial constraints leading to reliance on personal savings over business loans.
- Higher rates of uninsured self-employed Latina and Black women, indicating gaps in healthcare access and economic security.
Empowering Through Collective Action
Panel Discussion Highlights
The forum featured a panel moderated by Dr. Amada Armenta, featuring:
- Veronica Vences (Latino Community Foundation)
- Tracy Jackson (HR E-Z)
- Dr. Tara Lynn Gray (California Office of the Small Business Advocate)
- Dr. Silvia R. González (LPPI)
Key takeaways included the necessity for:
- Stronger Financial Infrastructure: To support business growth and sustainability.
- Inclusive Lending Practices: Ensuring equitable access to business loans.
- Expanded Mentorship Opportunities: Providing guidance and support for emerging entrepreneurs.
Dr. González emphasized that research-backed policies are essential for reshaping funding models and establishing long-term support networks for Latina and Black women in business.
Breakout Discussions
Attendees engaged in breakout sessions focused on:
- Increasing capital access
- Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Closing racial and gender gaps in business ownership
- Enhancing disaster preparedness for businesses
Tracy Jackson reflected on the collaborative environment:
“I really enjoyed the ability to learn, collaborate, and network in a space focused on the unique needs of women of color entrepreneurs.”
Voices of Empowerment
Jessica Anguiano, founder and CEO of Maravillosa Movement, described the forum as an empowering experience:
“There is something incredibly powerful about being in a room filled with resilient, passionate women who refuse to be silenced. Despite the frustration of systemic inequities, I left feeling stronger, more determined, and hopeful. Knowing that organizations like LPPI are at the forefront of this fight reaffirmed that our collective power is unstoppable.”
Liliana Rogers from the BBOP Center added:
“Being surrounded by so many dedicated individuals committed to supporting and empowering Latinas making a difference in the community was truly inspiring. Additionally, hearing the latest statistics on Latina progress and potential was both enlightening and encouraging. As a Latina business owner, I found the event very beneficial.”
Moving Forward
The Latina and Black Women Entrepreneurs Policy Forum underscored the critical need for data-driven policies and collective action to dismantle the barriers faced by Latina and Black women in business. The insights and solutions discussed at the forum are paving the way for more equitable economic opportunities and sustainable growth for Black women in business.
For more information on LPPI’s Economic Recovery & Entrepreneurship Project, visit latinoterep.com.
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