Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and there's still time to celebrate the Latino community that's helping shape Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning.

About 9% of Muscogee County residents are Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and that community keeps growing. Last month, Columbus and Phenix City came together for the 5th annual Tri-City Latino Parade, which crossed the 13th Street Bridge from Phenix City into Uptown Columbus with nearly 44 organizations taking part.

One of the best ways to celebrate is to support the local businesses that share Latin American food and culture every day.

Latin flavors to try in Columbus

Panadería y Taquería Tía Rosa
A family-owned Mexican bakery and taquería known for fresh, affordable, authentic food. - 1671 S. Lumpkin Road - Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Tuesday - 706-358-6688

La Garita Restaurant & Bakery
Puerto Rican cooking and a bakery with pan sobao and pastries, plus coffee that regulars rave about. - 1230 Fort Benning Road - Open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Bodega 1205
Latin American cuisine in Uptown Columbus. - 19 12th Street - 706-221-3514

Taquería Jalisco
Mexican tacos and more on the east side. - 5001 Forrest Road

Know a place we missed? Tell us below. We're building a bigger list.

Why supporting these businesses matters

Latino entrepreneurs are a growing part of Georgia's economy, but many face extra hurdles. A statewide study by the Latino Community Fund of Georgia and partners found that Latina business owners in Georgia report a median income about $25,000 below their male counterparts, and that most of the state's Latino business owners are first-generation immigrants. (Read our story: Latina entrepreneurs in Georgia earn half what male counterparts do.)

Simple ways to help:

• Eat and shop local. Make a Latino-owned restaurant, bakery, salon or shop part of your week.
• Leave a review on Google or Facebook. It costs nothing and helps small businesses get found.
• Share your favorites with friends and on social media.
• Hire local for catering, landscaping, construction, cleaning and other services.

For Latino business owners

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers bilingual workshops, mentoring and networking for Hispanic business owners across the state. Learn more at ghcc.org.

Help us spotlight Latino-owned businesses

The Columbus Times wants to feature Latino-owned businesses in Columbus and Phenix City in our Latino News section, for free.

If you own a Latino-owned business, or know one we should feature, email [email protected] with:

• the business name and address
• the owner's name and where their family is from
• what makes the business special
• a photo

We'll share them in an upcoming story.