Latino entrepreneurs need to practice the arts of nimble mind, strategic networking, operational focus, and an extra dose of humor. And like any other small business group fighting for the chance to bring their project to fruition, Hispanic entrepreneurs can also benefit from a well-blended mix of resources that address the Latino business context and offer insightful business practices.

When searching for answers to questions about starting a business, focus on those resources that are relevant, from reputable, trustworthy sources. And while focus is critical in ensuring that you don’t lose track of your research goal, the Hispanic entrepreneur must also capture sufficiently broad information that reflects the multi-faceted nature of the business environment. A simple but reliable filing system allows you to easily retrieve the data and thus avoid losing the fruits of your research efforts.

Here are a few sources that are worthy contenders for inclusion in your entrepreneurial resource toolbox:

“A Rural Service Provider’s Guide to Immigrant Entrepreneurship”
By the University of Northern Iowa, Regional Business Center/Small Business Development Center, and Iowa Center for Immigrant Leadership and Integration
This excellent guide was developed to help “…rural economic development centers (SBDCs), microenterprise agencies and chambers of commerce understand Latino entrepreneurship and to offer best practices from those working in the field to better serve this growing segment of the business community.” This little gem is nearly as relevant to the Hispanic entrepreneur as to the providers of such services. The chapters on entrepreneurship and Hispanic immigrants, community and organizational preparedness, business assistance, capitalization, and networking are pragmatic and insightful.
http://www.bcs.uni.edu/icili/PDFDocument/latinomanual.pdf

“Latino Leaders Magazine”
Founded by two brothers and businessmen from Mexico, “Latino Leaders” offers interesting perspectives related to top Latinos in the U.S., from politicians and sports stars to business owners.
http://latinoleaders.com

“The Pursuit of the American Dream: The Fiscal Practices of Today’s Hispanic Business Owners”
This study of entrepreneurs and business owners was conducted by GfK Custom Research North America on behalf of MassMutual Financial Group. Released in early August at the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting convention in California, it offers interesting connections Hispanics perceive among families, businesses, and the local community, and particular implications to financial confidence and knowledge. http://nglc.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/mc1057_072811hr.pdf

“Try a Little Funny Business: Humor in the Workplace”
By Second-Stage Entrepreneurs
This online article provides an overview on humor in the workplace and six specific strategies on how to incorporate more of it, real-life examples, tips, and other humor resources worth reviewing.
http://www.edwardlowe.org/ERC/index.lasso?storyid=216

The Hispanic Entrepreneurs Toolbox: 100 Networking Resources, Guides and Links
By Bootstrapper
This resource contains blogs, books and magazines, business tools, capital sources, marketing, government resources, how-to guides, networking resources and organizations, stories of Latino entrepreneurs. http://www.businesscreditcards.com/bootstrapper/the-hispanic-entrepreneurs-toolbox-100-networking-resources-guides-and-links/#comment-20244

Pew Hispanic Center
A non-partisan research tank that focuses on providing better understanding on the U.S. Latino population as well as recording the impact Latino growth has on the country. Outstanding data and analysis for more strategic contemplation. http://pewhispanic.org

Latinos in Business: Government Resources for Hispanic Entrepreneurs From the U.S. Small Business Administration
Latinos are opening businesses three times faster than the national average, according to U.S. Census Bureau Data in 2010, and this resource offers links to minority business development centers, funding sources for Latino-owned businesses, online government resources to assist Latino business owners, and links to Latino business associations.
http://community.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-matters/latinos-business-government-resources-hispanic-entrepreneurs-0

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Focused on identifying business opportunities for Latino-owned businesses in private and public sectors as well as advocating for the country’s 2.5 million Latino-owned businesses since 1979.
http://www.ushcc.com

Hispanic Business Women’s Alliance
Aimed at Latina entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, investors and consultants in North America, Latin America and Spain. The purpose is for these various women to leverage the organization’s international portal and connect with others who can provide capital, technology, production, customers and more.
http://www.hbwa.net

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver
The purpose of this nonprofit is to do outreach and further Hispanic growth. The website offers business, educational and public policy resources. http://www.hispanicchamberdenver.org

“Northern Colorado Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship Resource Guide”
A terrific entrepreneurial resource compiled by Colorado State University Business Librarian Louise Feldman. It includes sections on where to start, local support organizations for entrepreneurs, demographics and statistics, marketing guide, directories, databases, patents, local economy and industry, and local business news and more.
http://libguides.colostate.edu/nocolstartup

“Fort Collins History Connection: Mexican American Cultural History”
By Barbara Hawthorne. Thanks to the online collaboration of the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the Poudre River Public Library District, entrepreneurs can learn about the history, influence, and agricultural work by Latinos, right down to neighborhoods in Fort Collins.
http://history.fcgov.com/archive/ethnic/Mexican.php

Ana Arias is principal of Arias Global Consulting, based in Fort Collins. She welcomes suggestions on topics you’d like to see covered in “Latino Voices” and can be reached at ana@ariasglobal.com.