Reflecting on Yesterday's Adventure

I awoke with a smile on my face that I am back in Peru and that I met such exciting people yesterday. My confidence grows that there are seeds of research opportunities here. My connection with the head of research at USIL will prove a great resource as he shares my research inquiry interests.

I have a bag now full of organic food product samples (nuts, sauces, olive oil) to share with my W212 entrepreneurial class along with the "Omega Gormett" story. Birthed into a long line of necessity entrepreneurs, the family business consists of one sister and two brothers. They manufacture the products in several places (including a university that outsources manufacturing services and serves as an entrepreneurial incubator--great idea!). Profits can be marginal to good; however, it is not the primary motivation. These businesses, concerned with making a difference in their communities, are categorized as social entrepreneurs as they impact over 50 people who serve as suppliers, workers etc. The owners are from a small community in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle called San Jose de Sissa. They each hold specific responsiblities from marketing to operations to funding sources. The visit to the factory showed how the university students get "on the job" training as they serve as labor for the products. The university hosts 75 micro-entrepreneurs. This exploratory trip is helping me to formulate my ideas about more empirical studiens. I will return to IUB and use this information to develop a formal questionnaire, submit for human subjects approval, and hopefully work collaboratively with the coordinators of the entrepreneurial training program to implement. It will benefit their efforts as well.

The USIL is phenomenal as they have on-campus restaurants operated by students in culinary school (chiefs and waiters) and business (operations). One of those cafes was owned by the Mother of my host and she operates three of such ventures all over Peru. Two other initiatives of interest in development is a Grameen Bank of Peru (successful micro-credit strategy) and an infant entrepreneurial training program for those under 5 years of age. I want to hear more about these 3 year olds that are grasping the concept of "selling" products. A culture of relationships, I feel welcomed back as a friend with all my contacts here. USIL is very interested in Kelley's entrepreneurship program. I shared materials provided to me by Dr. Kuratko (Dr. K), The Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. I did receive an invitation to participate in a global-web event in November where dozens of entrepreneurial training resources will exchange information, sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation. I will check with Dr. K. when I return about this opportunity. Kelley School of Business has had several Peruvian students and GLOBASE participated in a recruitment and alumni greeting initiative during our March visit. USIL wants to explore a more formal MBA student exchange opportunity. I will seek out who I need to forward this information to when I return.

Today, my goal is to try to catch up with a GLOBASE client or NGO. Also, I will work on setting up next week's meetings in Cusco with entrepreneurs and language classes as well as checking in with the family I will stay with in Cusco. I will meet with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) this evening. I look forward to continuing discussions about their client base of businesses. GLOBASE continues contact with AMCHAM as a valuable resource in Peru. They have arranged a brunch meeting on Saturday with the President of the Women Entrepreneurship Association. I look forward to a day of unveiling the Peruvian mysteries!