The Spanish American Merchants Association helps New Haven businesses thrive

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) is helping many businesses in the area by providing them with the resources they need to help their business thrive.

“They know how to cook, they know how to be a good carpenter, but they have no knowledge about the legal environment, permits, licenses,” said Clodomiro Falcon, small business specialist at SAMA.

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SAMA helps educate small business owners so they can register their business, write a business plan, understand regulations and more. Many SAMA employees speak two languages, ensuring that no one is ever left without the services they need.

According to Data USA, the Latino/Hispanic population makes up 30% of New Haven’s residents.

Fabian Durango, owner of Durango Insurance and Financial Services, says it’s simple: his company wouldn’t have opened without SAMA’s help.

“I am an immigrant,” Durango said. “I came to this country without documents, we went the legal route, we did everything right and we found resources.”

Durango shares its stories with its employees to give them hope for the future.

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