Pitching Dreams

Lessons from SUSI’s Entrepreneurial Frontier

By Celeste Aguilar Sosa, Honduras

Many topics, professors, and pedagogical techniques have fascinated me during SUSI for Scholars of Economics and Sustainable Development. I use this blog to focus on those related to the study of entrepreneurship. I’ve felt that these days have been swift, active, dynamic, never boring, and very hurried, much like the uncertain and ever-changing world we live in, especially for entrepreneurs. We’ve reflected who the entrepreneurs are in our lives, debated whether we should all be entrepreneurs, and whether sustainable development is possible through increased allocation of public budget funds to this sector.

We participated in a pitch session which included practical techniques from how to ask questions for our business, to whom we ask the questions, where to ask them, and even where to write them down. The duration of our pitch, the content of the pitch, and, of course, planning our entrepreneurial venture was also covered. In one of the sessions, we worked on a team entrepreneurship project and chose my coffee “Lepaera 1313 – both presentations: Baby Lenca and Mama Nila.” What I liked the most was the quick support from the team in embracing my coffee project and crafting the best pitch.

This topic is very important to me because, like many of my SUSI colleagues, we are eager to develop something concrete from this experience. It is this sentiment that has brought us together here, the desire to change and improve situations in our countries. In my case, I would like to develop a technical skills center that includes agriculture and coffee. So, when I refer to coffee, it is more than just selling it in bags; it is a chance to showcase Honduras through the products we create.

For every action we take, or fail to achieve, it is important to summarize the lessons learned. The entrepreneurship professor, Rick Plaut, recommended that we do this as entrepreneurs. He shared his personal experience and career, emphasizing the importance for an entrepreneur to receive support from friends, family, and especially their partner to strengthen their resilience when an idea fails, when a business dies, or even when you are fired from your job and have to embrace the risks of being an entrepreneur.

I want to share that I had the opportunity to visit both Universities, Harvard and MIT. In my photo, I’m wearing a pink dress that was handcrafted by Mrs. María Elena, a Chortí rural farmer from La Laguna, Copán Ruinas. This dress represents the traditional attire of her community, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, I would like to encourage her to start a business in this field.

In conclusion, as a professor of economics at UCENM in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, my experience at SUSI has been transformative, blending theory with practice in the field of entrepreneurship. The dynamic environment and innovative methodologies have deepened my understanding and highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurial spirit in sustainable development. This journey has emphasized the importance of practical and inclusive approaches to economic education. I am excited to incorporate these insights into my teaching, linking academia with societal development. I see an opportunity to support other potential entrepreneurs in Honduras, such as the Maya Chortí women with their traditional dresses and looms. My particular focus is on empowering communities, and addressing the significance of entrepreneurship for the youth in preventing migration. Additionally, I aim to explore the optimal use of remittances to foster sustainable economic growth. By fostering entrepreneurial skills and resilience, I hope to drive meaningful change in Honduras and beyond.