In May 2016, several organizations got together to discuss some initiatives that could strengthen Nicaraguan entrepreneurs and more generally the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. By joining forces, these organizations were able to publish an online guide, “ La Guía Emprende”, a mobile application “Emprende” and these efforts culminated during a networking event, “La Noche del Emprendimiento” held on July 28, 2019 at the US Embassy in Managua. Each of these resources were created with two goals:

1) To create a platform connecting people with public and private organizations supporting entrepreneurs, and

2) to expose local entrepreneurs to organizations that can support them and help them to flourish.

Entrepreneurship is fundamental to human progress. In order to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we need to unlock entrepreneurial potential. Entrepreneurship, especially in under-resourced communities, is extremely difficult to pull off. Most new companies fail. Status quo forces, and lack of access to knowledge, networks, and capital can grind down even the most promising entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are essential for a prosperous society, since they create jobs, are a source of innovation, and accept taking risks. During this process of learning, growth and failures, entrepreneurs need the support of their families, friends, mentors and specialized organizations. By providing them with the tools and resources they need, we increase the chances that they - and ourselves - succeed.

On July 28, 2016, the Global Shapers Managua Hub, in cooperation with the US Embassy in Managua, organized La Noche del Emprendimiento ("Entrepreneurship Night"), which gathered more than 200 civil society representatives, entrepreneurship ecosystem actors, entrepreneurs and investors. The event was designed to generate interactions and business opportunities that, at the same time, would contribute to the economic development of the country. As part of the event, a mobile application was launched to foster longer-term networking opportunities, through a directory of participants. Likewise, an online guide was created including information on the event’s participants but also on many other ecosystem actors impacting the Nicaraguan entrepreneurship sector. Over 60 organizations were represented during the event and were included in the mobile application and online guide. The mobile application and online guide later on evolved to become more comprehensive and several updated versions were launched during subsequent Hub projects (NicaTech Summit, Innovate…) and are still being developed by the Managua Hub as an ongoing project. The next version of the guide will be available during the 1st trimester of 2020. Former United States Ambassador Laura F. Dogu expressed during the event that “innovation is a key component for prosperity in Nicaragua and for the Embassy it is of great satisfaction to support the ecosystem of entrepreneurs in the country." For his part, Benjamin García, Former Curator of the Global Shapers Managua Hub said that “Entrepreneurship Night provides an excellent platform to identify and capitalize on business opportunities for entrepreneurs, make networks and obtain tangible results for all participants.” The initiative arose thanks to the joint effort of Global Shapers Managua Hub, Thriive Nicaragua, Agora Partnerships, Maquinsa, Amcham, Innosfera, La Fábrica, Cocomsys and the United States Embassy in Managua.