Hispanics Driven to Entrepreneurship at a Younger Age, Tend to Handle Their Company's Finances

Hispanics are driven to entrepreneurship at an earlier age than general market business owners, and they're likely to handle their own finances, also, according to a new survey.

According to the survey, conducted by TD Bank, 83 percent of Hispanic small business owners started their enterprise from scratch, while just six percent inherited a business from a family member. Additionally, 10 percent of the business owners had experience owning another small business.

Hispanics eagerly pursue entrepreneurship sooner, beginning at the age of 35 years old, compared to 39 years old. Also, the survey finds, Hispanic owners overwhelmingly (81 percent) handle their company's finances/bookkeeping, and 68 do so confidently. Seventy-five percent indicated they were most confident in managing employees/human resources (compared to 71 percent). That said, only 36 percent of Hispanics surveyed indicated they were confident they'd retire comfortably.

Nonetheless, 43 percent of Hispanic business owners polled revealed they'd taken management education courses or seminars to teach them more about handling their small business. Moreover, half of Hispanic small business owners communicated they had previous management experience when surveyed, which has helped to inform their current ownership role. Also, 31 percent of Hispanic small business owners indicated they benefit from a dedicated banker or financial planner for guidance and long-term strategizing. Furthermore, Hispanic business owners seek out the expertise of family and friends (54 percent), web/internet (37 percent) and industry associations/networking groups (35 percent).

TD Bank commissioned the nationwide survey, which examined numerous factors involved in entrepreneurship including confidence, self-reliance and financial preparedness. The survey additionally inquired about readiness for retirement, planning and questions business owners might have. According to the survey, most confident and experienced business owners tend to outline long-term goals and how to achieve those goals, which has prepared them for prosperity.

Twenty-one percent of surveyed Hispanic business owners indicated they wanted to pass their business on to a family member or a co-worker following retirement, compared to 15 percent of general market owners. Also, fewer Hispanic owners indicated they were likely to close the business after retirement (18 percent compared with 24 percent).