LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As Louisville’s immigrant population grows, city officials are noting an increase in local business owners who share culture with the community.
In recent years, the city’s population growth has come to depend on immigration. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 6.8% of Louisville’s population are immigrants. Louisville’s foreign-born population has increased in recent years, while its mainland-born population has declined.
This trend has allowed for more immigrant-owned businesses in Louisville.
Charlsetta Noke came to Louisville from Liberia in 2011. That’s when she first dreamed of opening her own restaurant.
Charlsetta Noke cut the ribbon at the grand opening of her restaurant, Clarice Kitchen.
Norkeh opened Clarice Kitchen on Bardstown Road in October.
“A long, long dream has come true,” Noke said.
The restaurant serves West African cuisine.
“There’s a lot of choice. It’s West African food from home,” Noke said. “We’re building it to be diverse for everyone.”
Amos Izerimana, director of international and immigration for Louisville Metro Government, has noticed an increase in local immigrant-owned businesses.
“I think there’s also this kind of pride that people who come to our community feel that allows me to continue to celebrate my heritage and continue to embrace new nationalities,” Izerimana said. “When I introduce someone or invite them to come here, the things I often hear are: I can find a job, it’s easy to start a business, it’s a welcoming place, and I feel welcome.Community Overall.”
Attracted to the city, the family now owns and operates Sweet Havana on Fern Valley Road.
Carmen Margarita Coro and Eduardo Fernández began their careers in the hospitality industry in Cuba decades ago. They operated their first bakery and cafe in Las Vegas, but later moved to Louisville. It acquired Sweet Havana in 2020.
“Louisville is a great city with so many opportunities for families, especially families like ours,” said Nashely Martinez of Sweet Havana.
The restaurant and bakery serve authentic Cuban cuisine. But this family-run business does more than just serve delicious food.
“One of the things we love about Sweet Havana is that it’s a community hub just because of its location,” Martinez said. “The demographic, the people who come here and eat with us, they start to create their own hub of networks and resources.”
The Office of Immigration Affairs supports local businesses in Louisville with an entrepreneurship program. REACH is a program designed to help immigrants grow their businesses. The program is led by the Office of Immigration Affairs, the Louisville Metro Economic Development Authority and the Louisville Small Business Development Center.
Amos Izerimana, Director of International and Immigration for Louisville Metro Government, tells WDRB News.
“One of the things we learned during the pandemic is that people were starting businesses but were not aware of the different requirements to apply for loans and grants,” Izerimana said. Ta. “We offer six tips that focus on the core things you need to know to grow your business, from marketing your business to financial tools to making and managing good financial decisions. It’s a workshop series.
This workshop series will highlight enterprise best practices and share information.
“This is very important to ensure that people can do business properly and contribute equally to our economy,” Izerimana said.
In terms of labor force participation, immigrants work at a higher rate than the native-born population, according to census data.
Suite Havana employs more than 20 people, many of whom are immigrants.
“Louisville has become an incubator for immigrants, allowing small businesses to do that,” Martinez said. “Everyone is trying to work together and help each other. People all over Louisville show up for each other. We employ each other, we build businesses together, we lift each other up.”
Local businesses also give people the opportunity to try something new in their city.
“I always say that an international restaurant is not just a place to go to eat, but a place to go to learn a new language, a new culture, new people who have become part of our community. ” Izerimana said. “If you want to learn about the world, you don’t have to leave Louisville to discover the world. Just go and try one of our restaurants in Louisville.”
Click here for more information on the REACH SME program.
Related articles:
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
