Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15, serves as an annual tribute to the invaluable contributions made by the Hispanic community. At the Charles County Economic Development Department, we proudly celebrate Hispanic heritage, culture, and entrepreneurial resilience by acknowledging and elevating the achievements of Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses within our community.
This month holds special significance for Charles County, where the Hispanic community constitutes 7.5%[1] of the population, and over 11,300[2] Hispanic individuals play a pivotal role in the local workforce, enriching the county's cultural diversity and contributing to its economic vitality. In Charles County, the restaurant and retail development sector is a designated key industry, and many Hispanic-owned businesses make substantial contributions to the sector's vitality and diversity. Residents and visitors are invited to honor and support the creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and cultural diversity of Hispanic business owners who call Charles County home.
Experience Latina Flavors in Charles County
Across the county, you can savor a wide range of Latin American flavors at our various restaurants. For those seeking traditional Mexican cuisine, Salsitas Grill in La Plata is a top choice. In Waldorf, Mariachis Tequileria, La Sierra, LLP, and Taqueria Los Compadres, LLC, all offer authentic Mexican dishes. La Hacienda 2 combines Mexican and Salvadorian flavors for a unique culinary experience. El Rinconcito Salvadoreño, with locations in both La Plata and Waldorf, features a menu filled with Salvadorian specialties. Veracruzana Bakery is celebrated for its delightful desserts and pastries. From a wide selection of spices to authentic cooking essentials, La Tiendona Grocery caters to cooking enthusiasts and individuals with a taste for international flavors.
In addition to visiting Hispanic-owned businesses in Charles County, residents and visitors can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by utilizing social media platforms to share appreciation for Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses and leaving online reviews and recommendations for Hispanic-owned businesses.
Hispanic Business Resources
For local Hispanic business owners, the Charles County Economic Development Department offers a variety of resources for business growth and support. Through initiatives such as the Charles County Small Local Business Enterprise Program (SLBE) and the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program (MWBE), we provide opportunities to participate in county contracts and other procurement opportunities. Additionally, the Maryland Small Business Development Center, Southern Region, located in La Plata, offers no-cost training and confidential business consultations. The Centro Hispano de Negocios also includes specialized support for businesspeople seeking Spanish-language consultations or assistance, as well as counseling services on technology and commercializing strategies.
For more information on how the Charles County Economic Development Department supports underrepresented communities–including Minority-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses–click here.
[1] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/charlescountymaryland/PST045222
[2] https://www.meetcharlescounty.com/demographics-labor-force/
