The news spread like wildfire across Cuba on Saturday, February 6. The list of prohibited activities in the self-employed sector had finally been approved; a measure that was long-awaited not only because it was announced back in July 2020, but also because it means over 2,000 private sector occupations can now be legally exercised.

A few months ago, when we were adapting to the idea of the existence of a global pandemic, many enterprises were faced with the dilemma of how to become sustainable and overcome the crisis. Fortunately, social networking sites have opened the doors for us to do so. Restructuring, adapting, interacting and growing have been the priorities in these months.

When the story of COVID-19 is told, perhaps the main character will be the human damage caused by the pandemic. But personally, I would like it to be remembered for how science, business and people focused their creativity on making such uncertain times more bearable.

Building a strong, transparent private sector that is linked to the state sector must be a domestic priority. Building a public-private partnership is an imperative, not an option, and Cuba needs that whether Trump, Biden, or Kamala Harris is in the Oval Office.

Maria Lucia Bermudez, a Social Communication graduate, helps international business representatives to make their products and services visible through the Here2Start Fest, an event considered a window onto global entrepreneurship.

The novel coronavirus and the crisis it has generated have seen many a sleepless night for countless companies and enterprises. The search for alternatives and solutions to “survive” has been key in the so-called new normality.

Tercer Paraíso Cuba has been functioning for more than five years, and since the last edition of the Rebirth Forum, in November 2019, the team has been working with the community of Cuban makers grouped in projects, entrepreneurs and organizations interested in recycling and sustainable development, through platforms such as Plasticidas, Copincha and Precious Plastic Habana.

Combining ceramic with glass, metals and other recyclable materials can result in precious objects, where the utilitarian is combined with good taste, thanks to the talent of the artists who make up the interdisciplinary Cuban art project, ArteSano.

The three sales points of this business maintain a dynamic relationship with the local community. Currently, its workers assist older people in adverse situations and call on other private businesses to join the efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

During these times of uncertainty and isolation, perhaps as an entrepreneur you have wondered what will happen to your business and your customers. Faced with the spread of the novel coronavirus in Cuba and the world, many establishments have closed and, as such, cancelled or postponed meetings, or readjusted the corporate purpose of their work.