Former Kansas Citian launches new Hispanic organization

Former U.S. Small Business Administrator Hector Barreto, son of the Hector Barreto who founded the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has unveiled a new national organization, the Hispanic Business Roundtable Institute.

The younger Barreto, formerly of Kansas City, said the nonprofit, nonpartisan Washington, D.C.-based group will advocate for economic advancement and job growth in Hispanic-owned companies.

The group also supports economic research and endorses national political candidates. It endorsed 26 congressional, senate or gubernatorial candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, none of them in Kansas or Missouri. Endorsements went to 25 Republicans and one Democrat.

“Hispanics account for more than 3 million businesses in America today and they are starting those businesses at three times the national average,” Barreto said. “Working with government leaders and promising candidates to create viable communities and economic sustainability is a key component to the future of Hispanic entrepreneurship and this country’s economic growth.”

For information about the institute go to hbrti.com.

The Star

This story was originally published September 30, 2014 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Former Kansas Citian launches new Hispanic organization."