Claiming space, building wealth: Why commercial real estate matters for Latino entrepreneurs

Jennifer Rodríguez is president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. PROVIDED / GPHCC

By Jennifer Rodriguez

Latino entrepreneurs are launching businesses at historic rates—creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing over $889 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Yet when it comes to commercial real estate ownership, our community remains underrepresented. This gap isn’t just about property—it’s about power, permanence, and generational wealth.

In Philadelphia, the stakes are especially high. As neighborhoods like Kensington, North Philadelphia and the Navy Yard undergo major redevelopment, the question is: Will Latino businesses own a piece of the future?