In Jonathan Bowles’ “Immigrant Entrepreneurism: An Engine for Economic Recovery,” the emerging influence of immigrant business on the New York’s economy is discussed. He argues that immigrants have, in recent years, come a long way in terms of visibility and impact in local communities, especially heavily concentrated immigrant communities. While the amount of native born Americans that are starting their own businesses is on the decline, immigrant entrepreneurship has been soaring; a record fifty-three percent increase of immigrants who are self employed has been recorded from 1990-2000.
Despite this massive growth of immigrant entrepreneurship, Bowles argues that we have barely began to skim the surface of the capacity of immigrants to bring about major economic revitalization in the five boroughs. Bowles makes a number of points, championing the expansion of government assistance to small immigrant businesses, as well as funding to nonprofit groups that have a direct link to the immigrant population. Nonprofit groups and immigrant-based and oriented organizations can offer advice in a language and culture that immigrants are most receptive to.
Throughout the article, Bowles makes it a point to reiterate that “…only a relatively small number of immigrants who own restaurants or other retail businesses have expanded into larger space or opened stores in additional locations.” From first-hand knowledge of the area where I live, College Point, I argue that the College Point/Flushing area is an exception to Bowles’ point; the thriving Asian businesses in Flushing have provided a segue for their successful expansion in College Point.
Flushing can easily be referred to as a hub of economic activity–businesses have put down their roots in Flushing, oftentimes sprawling over great areas of land. In addition, many ethnic chain stores have been established: Kung Fu Tea and Quickly’s are two examples of drink shops that serve beverages and eateries unique to the Asian culture. Recently, a Kung Fu Tea shop, as well Kam Man Foods (a large supermarket) has opened in a new complex in College Point. From the times I have patronized these businesses, I’ve observed bustling crowds–of both Asians and of other ethnicities. Though I can’t confirm whether or not these businesses received assistance from the government or non profit organizations, it appears that the success of these retailers has been directly influenced by the success of the same chains in Flushing.
