Pulperia Chrisitan - Cerro Bonito, Honduras

Economic Challenge

The following are examples of economic challenges that small microenterprises face:

• Security: The theme of security in Honduras from a business perspective is a common concern for many entrepreneurs. The existence and high prevalence of theft carried out by common criminals and gang members is omnipresent, therefore endangering the sense of security of small businesses. 
• Price Fluctuations: Honduras primarily imports the goods and services that are abundantly provided in country. Thus as fluctuations in gas prices occur, the prices of general products are consequently affected making it difficult for entrepreneurs to consistently and accurately budget.  
• Climate Change: Climate change is a major overarching challenge that disproportionately affects small business owners whose microenterprises relies on agricultural products. With increasing temperature and decrease in annual rainfall; there is a shortage of production in basic grains that circulate the communities like corn and beans which causes an increase in pricing and therefore less consumption.
• Seasonal Work: Cerro Bonito is a community located in Cantarranas, whose community members rely heavily on seasonal work. But challenges with this type of work include, inconsistent employment and therefore unpredictable sources of income due to a season that only lasts from December to May, working for sugarcane companies. These companies have the capacity to cultivate such a large area of Cantarranas and therefore generates employment but only for six months out of the year. As a result, many community members struggle to find supplemental employment during the off season which puts strain on themselves, their families and the overall economy of their community and its local businesses such as Pulperia Christian.