Building community: The key to purpose-driven entrepreneurship
Being a young entrepreneur in Puerto Rico is no easy task. We face structural challenges, economic uncertainty and often the loneliness of the entrepreneurial journey. But amid those difficulties, I’ve discovered a powerful truth: Businesses don’t grow in isolation — they grow with community.
When I started my company, I believed everything depended on me — my effort, my ideas, my ability to solve problems. But it wasn’t until I connected with other entrepreneurs — people also building something from the ground up — that I realized the value of being part of a supportive ecosystem.
Sharing experiences, exchanging resources, celebrating wins and supporting each other through setbacks transforms not only our businesses but the way we approach entrepreneurship itself.
Building community in business isn’t just about networking. It’s about forging genuine relationships rooted in collaboration, trust and reciprocity. It’s understanding that when one local business grows, its success opens doors for others. It’s letting go of the idea that competition is the only path and embracing a broader vision where everyone wins.
In Puerto Rico, we have the talent, the ideas and the creativity to position ourselves as an entrepreneurial nation. Our strategic geographic location also gives us a unique advantage to launch and scale businesses with regional and global impact.
What we sometimes lack is the emotional and collective infrastructure that only a community can provide. Building community is a bet on the Puerto Rico we want to see — one where businesses become vehicles for social transformation and where success is shared and multiplied.
So, if you’re an entrepreneur, don’t do it alone. Find spaces where you can connect with others like you. Get involved in programs, expos, platforms and organizations that promote collective entrepreneurship. Share your story. Listen to others. Offer support. Ask for help.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solitary act — it can be a deeply human experience if we choose to build it in community.
Now more than ever, we need businesses that not only sell but inspire — that not only grow but lift others up. Because when one of us grows, we all grow.
Author Jean Marcel Correa is a Puerto Rican entrepreneur and finance graduate from American University, known for his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He is the co-founder and CEO of LICK, a brand committed to delivering premium pet products that support a global shift toward high-quality animal care. He also co-founded Fetch, a user-friendly digital platform that simplifies pet services while promoting animal welfare.
