Exploring Micro-Business Enterprises in Nicaraguan Barrios

Many undergraduate students begin their academic journey with aspirations to launch entrepreneurial ventures. Integrating entrepreneurship into undergraduate programs offers to develop practical skills and critical thinking. This study engaged business students as observers, providing firsthand insight into running a small business in different cultural settings, specifically through the experiences of micropreneurs in Nicaragua. Small business ownership in this context offers a modest livelihood amidst the challenges of poverty; however, such ventures often face significant obstacles. The research, conducted alongside an entrepreneurial seminar, aimed to investigate the challenges, successes, economic contributions, opportunities, and strategies experienced by microbusiness owners. Using a phenomenological case study approach, the study engaged a focus group of 20 micropreneurs in Nicaragua, contributing to the limited body of research on microbusiness enterprise (MBE) activities in this region. The findings underscore the critical role of cross-border academic collaborations in empowering microbusinesses through training, faith-based support, and community resilience.