As rhetoric on the national stage from the Trump administration continues to run in an anti-immigrant vein, Philadelphia has started an initiative to acknowledge the vast economic impact that immigrants makes to our city and communities.

Immigrant Business Week is taking over the city and with a kickoff by the Mayor yesterday and events throughout the week, opportunities to highlight, connect with, and learn more about the immigrant businesses in our city abound.

One such event was an event held by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, "Roadmap For Growth: The Impact of Immigrant Entrepreneurship," at the Fiesher Art Memorial.

Focusing on the statistics, according to the chamber, Philadelphia's immigrants are increasingly the growing entrepreneurial force in the city due to the fact that they're 41% more likely to own a business than their U.S. born counterparts. Highlighting what they call, "Main Street business owners," the chamber recognizes the growing businesses in areas like the Italian Market on Ninth Street, El Centro de Oro on Fifth & Lehigh, and 52nd Street in West Philadelphia.
 

In an effort ot connect others and provide a guiding light to young entrepreneurs, the event had a panel discussion of some of the top entrepreneurs in the city. 

Panel included:Jude Arijaje (President, Minuteman Press), Mariella Giovanucci (President, Fante's), Dr. Beatriz Mirabal Garces (Owner, Garces Dental Group & Founder, The Garces Foundation), Yasmine Mustafa (CEO, ROAR) and was moderated by: Steve Tang, President, University City Science Center.