Socio-Economic Profile of Brazilian Businesses in Allston-Brighton

Several studies published in Brazil and in the U.S. focus on the ethnic identity formation, immigration histories, cultural development, and demographic trends of Brazilians in Boston and in Massachusetts (Margolis, 1995; Martes, 1999; Beserra, 2003; Sales, 2003; Siqueira & de Lourenço, 2006; Lima & Siqueira, 2007). A profile of Brazilian businesses and their economic contributions to the nation and the state is still missing. This report is a preliminary attempt to fill this gap for Brazilian immigrants in Boston. Under the sponsorship of the Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy and with support from the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development, we conducted research focusing on the socio-economic characteristics of the Brazilian entrepreneurs of Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood. The research aimed at inventorying and analyzing the Brazilian businesses operating in the neighborhood – understanding their economic strengths and weaknesses, and their needs for technical assistance and other business support