The Chicago Tribune recently posted a story on challenges specific to African American entrepreneurs in the Chicago area. Business ownership continues to be of increasing interest, but the Tribune article cites experts who claim African Americans face certain obstacles to success.

In the Chicago area, the number of African-American businesses grew by 67 percent from 1997 to 2002, the latest year for which census data is available, while revenue growth lagged at 17 percent.

“There is a glut of new entrepreneurs out there all vying for the same opportunities and what little financing is available,” said Dave Thomas, executive director of the Chicago Minority Business Opportunity Center.

Research suggests blacks are 50 percent more likely to try to start a business than whites, yet they face an uphill battle in finding the capital and connections to make their companies successful, said Daryl Williams, director of research and policy for minority entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Mo.

The Tribune examines additional challenges such as low employee rates, qualifying for loans from traditional lenders, and establishing solid business partner and mentorships. Link here to read the article in its entirety.

Hustletown readers: Does your experience as an entrepreneur mirror the Tribune story? Leave us your feedback in the comments section below!