Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Tayde Aburto

March 8, 2017

4 MIN READ

Recently, I stumbled upon the following article on the web “Immigrants Play a Disproportionate Role in American Entrepreneurship” and made me think about my immigrant entrepreneur story. Before I jump into my entrepreneurship journey in the U.S., let me share some data from the article I read:

“1. Immigrants constitute 15% of the general U.S. workforce, but they account for around a quarter of U.S. entrepreneurs (which we define as the top three initial earners in a new business). That is comparable to what we see in innovation and patent filings, where immigrants also account for about a quarter of U.S. inventors.

2. Immigrant founders launch firms that are smaller than native-founded firms. The average initial employment for firms founded by immigrants exclusively is 4.4 workers, compared to 7.0 workers for firms launched exclusively by natives. When both types of founders are present (i.e., “mixed founder team”), the average is 16.9 workers. (Source: https://hbr.org/2016/10/immigrants-play-a-disproportionate-role-in-american-entrepreneurship.)”

mexican-immigrant-entrepreneur

According to the “State of Latino Entrepreneurship 2016” report, scaled firms in the Hispanic business community are more likely to have immigrant and highly educated owners.

“Owners of scaled firms are more likely to report being immigrants and having at least a four-year college degree. Specifically, 40-50 percent of larger firms – high-revenue and high-employee firms – are immigrant-owned, compared to only one-third of smaller firms. Two-thirds of owners of firms scaled in size report having a college degree, compared to only half of owners of smaller firms. When comparing firms with and without increasing employee count levels, the differences are less pronounced but still evident. While the reasons behind the overrepresentation of immigrants, in particular, are unclear, a clear implication is that Latino immigrant entrepreneurs are having a positive effect on the U.S. economy through job and revenue creation. (Source: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/gsb/files/publication-pdf/report-slei-state-latino-entrepreneurship-2016_0.pdf)”.

hispanic-immigrant-entrepreneur

The moment I knew I was going to stay in San Diego for good, I started to explore different business opportunities. For those who don’t know, I was born and raised in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. I have a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Master’s in Marketing. The reason why I mention that is because my education has helped me to compete at a high level in San Diego since day one.

Back in 2006, I thought about opening a restaurant, starting an import/export business or a marketing consulting firm for companies interested in penetrating the Mexican market. Those were some of the multiple ideas I had.

However, we all know how destiny sometimes works in very mysterious ways. I was waiting for my restaurant to sell so I could use that money to invest in my first business opportunity in San Diego. While I was waiting for that to happen, I started to look for a full-time job, and that’s how I ended up with a market research analyst position at Kyocera Wireless. That was the time when I joined the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SDCHCC).

My experience was so negative with the SDCHCC that some force inside me drove me to take action to do something better. It was 2008 when I launched the Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce (HISCEC).

All my business ideas changed after my market research study showed me that Hispanic-owned businesses were underperforming in the marketplace and that there wasn’t a serious organization in town to help out with that, so I ended up concentrating all of my efforts towards HISCEC from 2008 to 2010. I didn’t have a clue back then about how I was going to make a living out of that, but deeply in my heart, I knew I had to do that. It was the right thing to do.

I made several mistakes in the process. The first major mistake was choosing the legal structure of the organization and then the business model. I had to learn with time what was the best for me, for HISCEC and the stakeholders.

In 2010, we hosted a Hispanic Business Expo at the San Diego Convention Center. An event that cost us over $50K when the organization wasn’t making any money but we needed to set a record straight, that we were in business for good.

Maybe because I was an immigrant, with little English proficiency and zero knowledge of the community politics, I was never afraid of making moves. I challenged the status quo since day one. It was tough in the beginning to get members, sponsors, etc. because no one knew anything about me or the organization. But hard work, dedication, and results have positioned HISCEC as the largest Hispanic business association in San Diego County.

I managed to overcome all the challenges to get to the stage where we currently are with HISCEC.

It’s not easy for immigrant entrepreneurs to succeed in the marketplace but we live in the best country for entrepreneurs with big dreams. The sky is the limit in America. Numbers don’t lie!

My story is not over yet. I feel like is just starting. Best is yet to come! We are now working to get 4,000 members by November 2018. Follow our journey using hashtag #4000by2018.

If you are an immigrant entrepreneur, let’s connect. There are always opportunities to learn from the experiences of others. And if my network of contacts helps you in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask for some connections.

Cheers to your success,

Tayde

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In this grand game of life, we’re all stumbling forward in the dark. 

Sometimes we trip on a rock. 

Sometimes we fall into a pothole. 

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Every time you pick yourself up, you’re a bit further along. 

Every misstep is a lesson. 

Every failure is a teacher. 

Imagine if you viewed each stumble as a victory dance. 

A dance that says, “I dared greatly. I lived fully. I learned massively.” 

So let’s embrace the journey, rocks and potholes included. 

Because the destination is just a mirage; the real treasure is the dance itself. 

P.S. What “victory dance” did you do recently? #InspirationDaily
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You’re not meant to stay where you are.

Dream bigger. Move faster.

Stretch beyond what you thought was possible.
Every step forward brings you closer to the life you deserve.

Keep moving. Success is chasing you.

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We take on the responsibility of being ambassadors of the values and vision of Tecnológico de Monterrey, promoting continuous growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.

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    Time is your most valuable business asset.
Not money. Not followers. Not connections.

Time.
And it’s non-renewable.

Think of every hour as a $100 bill.
Would you still “spend” it the same way?
Would you give it away to distractions?
Or would you invest it in growth, strategy, and results?

You don’t need more time.
You need to treat your time like it’s capital.

The ROI is in how you use it.
Make the next hour count.

#TimeIsCapital #BusinessDiscipline #EntrepreneurMindset #HighROIHabits #FoundersFocus
    Tonight, I had the honor of attending the Peacemaker Awards, hosted by the National Conflict Resolution Center (@ncrconline) -an organization that understands one truth:

When people communicate well, communities thrive.

Conflict is inevitable at home, at work, in schools, and across neighborhoods. But when we use the right tools and conversations to uncover common ground, something incredible happens: People come together, problems get solved, and peace becomes possible.

That’s what NCRC is all about—training people to turn tension into trust and division into connection.

I’m especially grateful to the San Diego Foundation @sandiegofoundation and Board Member Rafael Castellanos @rafaelcastellanossd for inviting me to this important evening. Your leadership helps build bridges where others see walls.

Let’s keep working to create a world where more conversations end in understanding.

#PeacemakerAwards #NCRC #StoryOfPeace #CommunicationMatters #LiveOnMission #SanDiegoFoundation #Gratitude #BetterTogether
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2️⃣ Build on Character. No cutting corners. No excuses. Integrity becomes your brand. Take the high road—it attracts better clients, better partners, and long-term success.

3️⃣ Double Down on Discipline. Scaling isn’t about hustle—it’s about consistency. Routines, systems, and habits compound. That’s where real freedom and profit live.

🚫 Real talk: There are no reliable “shortcuts.” But these 3? They’re your unfair advantage.

💬 Which one are you mastering right now in your scaling journey?

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    Most people are waiting.
Waiting for the right time.
Waiting for someone to notice their talent.
Waiting for permission.

But winners don’t wait.
They decide.
They take action with clarity, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

If you want to grow your business, land your next big client, or take your life to the next level—it starts with this simple truth:
No one is coming to rescue you.
The opportunity you’re looking for is already inside of you. You just have to act.

So, what opportunity are you going to create today? Share it in the comments, declare it, and take the first step.

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His secret? 

A mindset that’s razor-sharp. 

When you face a challenge: 

1. Visualize Success. Conor sees the knockout before it happens. 
2. Embrace the Pressure. He thrives when all eyes are on him. 
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5. Adapt. His game plan constantly evolves with every fight. 

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→ Visualize success 
→ Embrace the pressure 
→ Learn from defeat 
→ Show unshakeable confidence 
→ Adapt, always 

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    An age-old dilemma: Comfort or Adventure? 

We’re all faced with this choice, aren’t we? 

Would you rather feel safe or feel alive? The right answer might surprise you.

Comfort whispers sweet promises: 

- Familiarity 
- Safety 
- Stability 

But what about Adventure’s siren call? 

- Growth 
- Novelty 
- Thrills 

Here’s the secret:  You don’t need to choose one and forsake the other. 

The magic happens at the intersection of the two. 

Seek comfort in the familiar ground, then sprinkle in adventure to spice things up. 

Comfort with a dash of adventure. 

Adventure with a sprinkle of comfort. 

Balance, my friends, is the key to a life well-lived. 

So, as you ponder this eternal question, remember: 

In the dance of life, the most graceful steps are often the ones that blend adventure with comfort seamlessly. 

P.S. Which path will you choose today?

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    La verdadera demostración de éxito no es el DINERO ni los AUTOS… Es en QUIÉN TE CONVIERTES.

LOS MILLONARIOS TIENEN UNA COSA EN COMÚN... Y TÚ PUEDES EMPEZAR A HACERLO HOY.

¿Todos esos millonarios?

Tienen un arma secreta.

No es un título universitario de una universidad privada.
No es un fondo fiduciario.
Ni siquiera, me atrevo a decir, es “suerte”.

¿La única cosa que todos hacen constantemente?

INVIERTEN.

No, no solo dinero.

Invierten en sí mismos.

Leen.
Aprenden.
Crecen.

Piénsalo como interés compuesto para tu mente.

Empieza hoy.
Aunque sea solo 10 minutos al día.
Lee algo que expanda tu mente.

Me lo agradecerás cuando llegues a las 7 cifras, 8 cifras, 9 cifras y más allá.

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    MILLIONAIRES HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON...AND YOU CAN START DOING IT TODAY.

All those millionaires? 

They have a secret weapon. 

It’s not a fancy degree. 
It’s not a trust fund. 
It’s not even, dare I say, “luck”. 

The one thing they all do, consistently? 

They INVEST. 

No, not just money. 

They invest in themselves. 

They read. 
They learn. 
They grow. 

Think of it like compound interest for your brain. 

Start today. 
Even just 10 minutes. 
Read something that expands your mind. 

You’ll thank me when you hit 7-figures, 8-figures, 9-figures, and beyond. 

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    From Mexican Immigrant to $100 Million CEO

Javier’s restaurants in California are a masterclass in how passion, quality, and experience create lasting success in the competitive hospitality industry. Built on a foundation of authentic, high-end Mexican cuisine, Javier’s has cultivated a loyal following by offering an unparalleled dining experience that blends sophistication with warmth.

Beyond the aesthetics and flavors, Javier’s success is a testament to the power of consistency, vision, and a deep understanding of what customers truly desire. By maintaining high standards while continuously evolving, Javier’s has not only dominated the California dining scene but has also set the bar for what a luxury Mexican restaurant can be.

A business that will leave a legacy in the restaurant industry in California and with Don Javier’s family. 

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    LEGADO QUE CONSTRUYE RIQUEZA GENERACIONAL: Convierte tu Negocio en un Activo que Trascienda 

¿Tu negocio es un trabajo o un activo que puede venderse o heredarse?

Miles de emprendedores construyen empresas exitosas, pero muy pocos logran convertirlas en un legado. El 80% de los negocios que intentan venderse nunca encuentran comprador, y la mayoría de las empresas familiares no sobreviven a la siguiente generación. No dejes que el esfuerzo de toda una vida se pierda.

En Legado Generacional, te comparto un plan claro y accionable para transformar tu negocio en un activo valioso, ya sea para venderlo al mejor precio o prepararlo para que prospere en manos de la siguiente generación.

El libro de Legado Generacional te enseñará cómo:

✅ Construir una empresa con sistemas sólidos que pueda operar sin depender de ti.
✅ Aumentar la rentabilidad para hacer tu negocio atractivo para compradores o inversionistas.
✅ Optimizar procesos clave y documentar operaciones para elevar su valor en el mercado.
✅ Crear un plan de sucesión que garantice la continuidad y el éxito de tu legado.

Si alguna vez te has preguntado “¿qué pasará con mi negocio cuando ya no quiera o pueda operarlo?”, este libro es para ti. No esperes hasta que sea demasiado tarde para tomar decisiones estratégicas.

El momento de estructurar tu legado es ahora. ¡Conviértelo en un activo real y asegúrate de que tu trabajo perdure más allá de tu tiempo!

Adquiere tu copia en AMAZON, enlace en el Bio. 

#legadogeneracional #negocios #emprendimiento #emprendedores #emprendedor #emprende #pequeñonegocio #empresario #empresaria #dinero #libro #libros #estrategia #legado #taydeaburto
    Validation is seeking a compass in someone else’s pocket. 

You have a vision. 

An idea. 

A hunch. 

It nags you in meetings. 

Stirs you awake at night. 

But you seek validation. 

From a mentor. 
From your network. 
From the market. 

Here’s the rub - visionaries trust themselves: 

- Jobs did with the iPhone 
- Musk did with SpaceX 
- Morrison did with Beloved 

The world didn’t validate them first. 

They validated the world. 

So today, trust your vision. 

Back yourself.

(But hey, if you need a little nudge, I’m here 😉)

#believe #believeinyourself #validation #life #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #success

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