Some Inspiration Cubano for Small Business Owners

(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times / March 30, 2012)

To the left is a photo that's shows a piece of Cuba's new small business uprising.  Raul Soto, pictured here, began selling flowers in Havavna, which has been legal since President Raul Castro made business licenses available in 2010.  The Los Angeles Times Article "Yes, they're abierto: Cubans open their doors to small business" provides written snapshots of the lives of a nail salon owner, a man who sells hardware in his doorway, and other new entrepreneurs of Cuba.  It is slow-going.  Most don't have the capitol to put up for brick-and mortar establishments, but this new leeway to start a small business in Cuba, as well as to buy and sell property (previously Cubanos could only make a straight trade) is exciting for many.

Do we American small business owners, born and bred with capitalist rights, have the same entrepreneurial spirit as the Cubans outlined in this article?  I'm not sure that there is ever room to take your own business for granted, and, internationally, it takes a special person to venture out on his or her own to start a business.  But this article is at least a good reminder of why we do what we do as small business owners. Take a moment to let Raul Soto, newly allowed to sell flowers after decades, inspire you.

Suomi: Coco taxi Havannassa joulukuussa 2005. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Does something here spark your interest?  Remind you of something?  Rub you the wrong way or ¿Te caes mal?  Leave a comment and explain.  We want to hear from you.  

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