Hispanic businesses on the rise in SC

[krazeeboi]

The number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew 48 percent in South Carolina between 1997 and 2002, according to an article in The State, which makes us one of the top five states for Hispanic-owned business growth. In 2002, we had 3,015 Hispanic-owned businesses generating $691.4 million.

The most lucrative industries for Hispanics in South Carolina were retail trade, with $123.7 million in 2002 revenue; construction with $111.3 million; and accommodations/food service with $100.2 million.

Greenville and Richland counties are the major centers of Hispanic business in the state. In 2002, Greenville County had 387 Hispanic-owned businesses, the most of any county, and Richland County had the second most, 327. However, Hispanic-owned businesses in Richland County had the most revenue, $143.5 million, or nearly 21 percent of the revenue of all Hispanic-owned businesses in the state. Among cities, Columbia had the most Hispanic-owned businesses and the most revenue from them: 149 businesses generating $107.7 million.

[Jerseyman4]

It would not suprise me if hispanics have or in the near future will be settling along the border belt counties (from Marlboro County east towards Horry Co.). There are many agriculture and manufacturing jobs to go by over there.

[socaguy]

I think Hispanics are just about everywhere in the SE now. Even in the smallest, most backwoods towns in SC you'll find Hispanics...some of those towns have sizeable populations too!