SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 15, 2025 / As California kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, community leaders are spotlighting the economic contributions of the state's 800,000 Latino-owned businesses and the challenges many face under rising energy costs and regulations.

Together, Latino entrepreneurs generate more than $100 billion annually and represent nearly one in four business owners in the state. But advocates say those contributions are at risk as small businesses in construction, trucking, food service, and delivery struggle with the added costs of fuel, electricity, and compliance with complex state mandates.

"This Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring Latino businesses must mean more than celebration. It requires action," said Oscar Garcia, Senior Vice President of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Director of Business Development. "State lawmakers should commit to energy, tax, and regulatory policies that give Latino-owned businesses the chance not just to survive, but to grow. Supporting these businesses strengthens families, builds resilient communities, and drives the economy forward."

For some business owners, the impact is immediate. "My passion for cooking comes from my Mexican roots. But California's electric vehicle mandates affect me directly," said Ramiro Alarcón, owner of Cielito Lindo Catering. "My trucks run on gasoline, and switching to electric would be very difficult because charging stations aren't always available. We ask policymakers to consider us, because too often we are the ones most affected."

Advocates argue that while Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes culture and tradition, it should also be a moment for policymakers to address barriers that threaten Latino entrepreneurship.

Levanta Tu Voz, a statewide advocacy initiative, is urging Californians to support Latino-owned businesses and press for energy policies that allow these businesses to prosper. To learn more about how California's energy policies affect small businesses, read the Small Business Fact Sheet and visit levantatuvoz.org.

About Levanta Tu Voz

Levanta Tu Voz (Raise Your Voice) is a program of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) created to empower voices of the Latino community across California. Efforts to improve air quality and fight climate change are important but will only work if the solutions are affordable for everyone. Even though Latinos will be disproportionately impacted by a rushed energy transition, Latino voices are often absent from discussions on energy and climate issues. WSPA has been working with - and listening to - the Latino community to co-create a program where Latino voices and perspectives can be part of the energy and climate conversation.

Contact Information

Rosenda Somoza
rsomoza@theaxisagency.com
(213) 808-3987

SOURCE: Levanta Tu Voz