The Puerto Rican Diaspora: How We Can Build Wealth Across Borders

Introduction: The Global Power of Puerto Ricans

Puerto Ricans are everywhere. From New York to Orlando, Chicago to California, and beyond, the Puerto Rican diaspora is massive. In fact, there are more Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. than on the island itself. This means that while Puerto Rico faces economic struggles, there is a huge economic force outside the island that could change everything—if we work together.

Imagine if every Boricua across the U.S. and Puerto Rico united economically—buying from each other, investing in Puerto Rican businesses, and building wealth together. This is how we take control of our financial future and create a global Puerto Rican economic powerhouse.

Let’s break it down.

How Boricuas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico Can Work Together

For too long, Puerto Ricans on the island and in the diaspora have been disconnected economically. Many Boricuas leave the island looking for better opportunities, while those who stay struggle with limited resources. But what if we bridged the gap and worked together?

1. Diaspora Money = Puerto Rican Growth

Puerto Ricans in the U.S. earn billions of dollars every year. But where does that money go? If even a fraction of it was reinvested into Puerto Rico’s economy, businesses, and entrepreneurs, we could rebuild our island on our terms.

📌 Example: Instead of buying from major chain stores, Boricuas abroad can shop from Puerto Rican-owned brands online, helping those businesses grow and create more jobs back home.

2. Investing in Puerto Rico Instead of Sending Just Remittances

Many Boricuas in the U.S. send money to family in Puerto Rico (remittances), but that money often disappears into short-term expenses. What if, instead, some of that money was invested into Puerto Rican businesses, real estate, and infrastructure?

✅ Remittances = Temporary help
✅ Investments = Long-term wealth for the island

📌 Example: A Puerto Rican living in Orlando could invest in a small food business in Puerto Rico, helping it expand while also earning a return on investment.

3. Creating Cross-Border Business Networks

Instead of just supporting Puerto Rican businesses on the island, Boricuas abroad can create business partnerships between the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

✅ E-commerce: A Puerto Rican in the U.S. can sell products made in Puerto Rico and ship them worldwide.
✅ Franchising: Boricuas in the U.S. can bring Puerto Rican brands to cities like Miami, New York, and Chicago.
✅ Technology & Outsourcing: Diaspora business owners can hire Puerto Ricans remotely, keeping money flowing to the island.

📌 Example: A Boricua entrepreneur in Texas can partner with Puerto Rican designers and manufacturers to produce high-quality clothing, keeping production local while selling globally.

The Economic Power of Puerto Ricans in the U.S.

Puerto Ricans in the diaspora are not just surviving—they’re thriving. Many have high-paying jobs, businesses, and investment opportunities that can be redirected back to Puerto Rico.

Key Economic Stats:

📊 There are over 5 million Puerto Ricans living in the U.S.
📊 Puerto Ricans in the U.S. earn billions of dollars annually
📊 Puerto Rico’s economy struggles with unemployment & underinvestment
📊 If just 10% of Puerto Ricans abroad invested in Puerto Rico, we could fund thousands of businesses

💡 What does this mean? If we organize our financial power, we don’t need to wait for the government or corporations to “fix” Puerto Rico. We can fix it ourselves.

How Boricuas Abroad Can Support Businesses on the Island

Instead of sending money that disappears into bills, Boricuas in the U.S. can support and invest in Puerto Rican businesses. Here’s how:

1. Buy Directly from Puerto Rican-Owned Businesses

One of the easiest ways to support Puerto Rico’s economy is buying products and services from Boricua entrepreneurs.

✅ Order Puerto Rican coffee, clothing, art, and handmade goods from the island.
✅ Support Puerto Rican-owned online businesses that ship worldwide.
✅ Travel to Puerto Rico and spend money at local, Boricua-owned businesses instead of big corporations.

📌 Example: A Puerto Rican in NYC orders coffee directly from a Puerto Rican farm instead of buying from a major chain. That money goes straight to the island’s economy instead of a corporate bank account.

2. Invest in Puerto Rican Startups & Real Estate

Instead of buying stocks in big corporations, Puerto Ricans abroad can invest in Puerto Rican businesses and real estate.

✅ Angel Investing – Support Puerto Rican startups through investment platforms.
✅ Real Estate – Buy property in Puerto Rico to keep land in Puerto Rican hands.
✅ Crowdfunding & Business Loans – Help fund Puerto Rican entrepreneurs looking to expand.

📌 Example: A group of Puerto Ricans in Florida could pool money together to buy property in Puerto Rico, preventing it from being taken over by outside investors.

3. Create Boricua Business Networks

A unified business network can connect Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals worldwide.

✅ Facebook & LinkedIn Groups – Connect Puerto Rican business owners for opportunities.
✅ Networking Events – Host events that bridge Puerto Rico and the diaspora.
✅ Business Collaborations – Diaspora-owned businesses can source products & talent from Puerto Rico.

📌 Example: A Puerto Rican business coach in Chicago could mentor entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico, giving them the knowledge and connections they need to succeed.

Building Cross-Border Networks for Business Success

Puerto Ricans don’t need permission to build wealth—we just need a plan and collaboration.

Action Plan for Uniting the Diaspora & Puerto Rico:

✔️ Create Online Business Networks – Use social media and business groups to connect Boricuas globally.
✔️ Fund Boricua Startups – Support Puerto Rican crowdfunding campaigns & investment opportunities.
✔️ Build Diaspora-Owned Businesses That Sell Puerto Rican Products – Expand Puerto Rican brands into U.S. markets.
✔️ Organize Business Conferences & Meetups – Bring together Puerto Rican entrepreneurs & investors from the island and diaspora.

📌 Example: A Puerto Rican entrepreneur in Los Angeles connects with a Boricua factory in Puerto Rico to produce products at a fair wage, keeping money in the community instead of sending it overseas.

Conclusion: We Are Stronger Together

Puerto Rico’s future doesn’t depend on outsiders—it depends on us, the Puerto Rican people. The diaspora and island must unite financially, strategically, and economically.

💡 What can you do today?
✅ Buy from Puerto Rican-owned businesses
✅ Invest in Boricua startups & real estate
✅ Join a Puerto Rican business network
✅ Create cross-border partnerships that strengthen our economy

The diaspora isn’t just an extension of Puerto Rico—it’s an economic superpower that, if united, can transform Puerto Rico into a global force.

🚀 The time to build is now. Let’s take control of our economy and create generational wealth together. 🔥🇵🇷