University of Maryland

Welcome!

Welcome to the University of Maryland Nicaragua Spring Break 2015 Study Abroad blog! The
students will update the blog daily when we're in Nicaragua. We're working on fundraising for
the entrepreneurs we're going to be working with. In San Juan del Sur, we'll work with students
and faculty from UAM on these new projects.
-Prof. Hallows

New San Juan del Sur entrepreneurs 2015

Click!- Evio Lopez has a 10 month old digital printing business in SJDS. He does good work and makes excellent designs flyers business cards etc. He works with someone in Managua for more complex printing jobs. He speaks English and will be attending with employee- Wilbur, who is Bruno's cousin, who is in his late 20's? clickimpressionydiseno@gmail.com

Sol Y Luna- Abagail Morales has a Spa/beauty shop and employs 3 hairdressers and manicurists and they do massage therapy, facials, etc. he would like help automating appointments, marketing business cards, and a business plan. Abigail will be attending with one employee. solylunaspa@gmail.com

Pablo- Siezar Mayorga Heidi Herrera the library coordinator's husband who is 41 has a license in Business Administration with 15 yrs working as a Managua customs agent ALMAR and the past 8 years with a Custom's Agent job at the Frontera- the Border w Costa Rica. He was laid off and is working part time as a consultant agent. He wants to start business in his home as a customs agent in SJDS. Jane's organization will give him a micro-loan. Heidi will be planning to attend some sessions and plans to be his business partner. She is a City Council Representative with the mayor's office and has a home stay business in their home now. heidyho23@yahoo.com

Oli Bo Bolly Dollys- Olivia Borden, is a 16 year old teen entrepreneur from Colorado. She has seamstresses in Nicaragua making lovely dolls from recycled materials. For each sale of $35 one is given away in Central American. She needs HR help with seamstresses, a business plan, ongoing ways to combine business in Nicaragua with the business in Colorado. She also needs an in-country manager (Someone who would be part of the round table.). Students would visit and assess both sewing locations and a local store that sells the dolls. Olivia is the winner of the Young America's Entrepreneurial Award in Denver in September 2014. There are 3 women (1 overall manager-2 sewers (1 from each location) and Merrill, the Belgian lady who translates and who also helps out as manager in addition to Olivia who would take the course. Her website is: www.olibobolly.com. She has a Facebook page and here is a great talk she gave:

Attachments area
Preview YouTube video Ignite Fort Collins 16: Olivea Borden - Buy-A-Doll, Give-A-Doll, Empower-A-Woman

:You can also watch an Ignite talk that I gave in May here: http://youtu.be/AlkKPojdVAk

Condimento Carazal Fruit Jams and Flavored sauces etc are their products which have been improving over the past several years that this cooperativa has been operating. They have marketing needs, technical needs, no one uses or has a computer, but they are very capable and intelligent women supporting their community. They are a community group of 12 women who represent a community with 69 families benefiting from the production of these products and their sale. They are also wanting to start a Thrift Store in their community of Caraza which is 10 minutes outside of SJDS. Three principal women would take the course. Students would visit the community and see where the jams etc are made and where the thrift store is planned. (They are Community Connect's Clients and have in the past been supported by a Rotary group to get them started We would provide transport, meals etc.)

We'll also work with the following post (those who have already worked with students in other
years) entrepreneurs:

1. Richard Morales- first group member- Transport Service. Richard has expanded and has now more drivers and vehicles and is looking at the purchase of a 35 passenger Coaster. He wants advice, budgeting, advertising help, and a revised business plan to include his 2 vans and other vehicles as well as this new purchase!

2. Bruno Palermo - last year group - Event & Party Provider. Bruno has expanded and taken a 2nd micro-loan for additional equipment after paying back the first. He needs an expanded business plan, more advertising ideas, website ideas and wants to consider purchasing and financing a vehicle.

3. Mayra Perez -last year group - Spanish Language School. Mayra had to move her business from last year's location and is " starting over". She would like website, business card and advertising help and a business plan.

4. Magarite - first year group- Micro lending Company. Maraite is a supervisor and is still doing micro-lending and struggling some. She wants a better vision and business plan and ways to support her clients. ( Suggested by Edwin)

5. Others, Ruth, Mirna, Noelia, Roxanna would like to attend a workshop and get ongoing support from local mentors.