Carrying out a project or bringing an idea to fruition always presents challenges. However, more and more people are choosing to pursue their own ventures. Recently, the state of the job market has reinforced this trend.
In this context, Alejandra Rossi, M.A., and Ximena Scasso, B.A., both professors at Universidad ORT Uruguay, shared their perspectives on the current role of entrepreneurs and future prospects.
“Entrepreneurial spirit goes beyond whether or not you have a business; it’s a way of life,” says Alejandra Rossi, M.A., executive director of Socialab. Being an entrepreneur means having a valuable tool for tackling problems. Along the same lines, Ximena Scasso, B.A., a mentor in the Sembrando Program, explains: “Entrepreneurs know how to read the situation and see opportunities where others see chaos.”
People who choose to take the risk of starting a business are usually those who don’t give up easily. According to Scasso, the many attempts they must make throughout the process cause them to “learn to learn from their mistakes.”
“Entrepreneurs know how to read the situation and see opportunities where others see chaos.”
Crises as Opportunities
Difficult circumstances often serve as catalysts for great ideas. Today’s job market is complex and uncertain, and in the face of this, some people are discovering or nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.
According to Rossi, the executive director of Socialab, problems can be a source of inspiration for people, and in this way, an adverse situation can be turned into an opportunity.
Scasso, for his part, believes that entrepreneurs are empathetic people who quickly identify problems that aren’t being solved efficiently and, almost without even trying, begin to think of possible solutions.
Startups in the Uruguayan market
When it comes to the role of startups in the country, both professors agree that startups are, above all, a source of employment and a means of generating income for many families. Furthermore, they have become a driving force in Uruguay’s labor and economic markets.
Regarding the risks of starting a business, Ximena Scasso says: “Today, those who decide to start a business are not alone in the process, and that’s a very good thing. You may walk faster on your own, but you walk more safely as a team.”
Regarding the future of entrepreneurship, Alejandra Rossi notes: “I see entrepreneurship continuing to grow, supported by a robust and increasingly inclusive ecosystem. I also see it as a tool for making an impact, addressing social issues, and creating solutions for vulnerable communities.”
“Today, those who decide to start a business aren’t alone in the process, and that’s a very good thing.”
The Contribution of CIE ORT
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Universidad ORT Uruguay to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. To this end, it carries out various initiatives that build an ecosystem linking the university, society, businesses, and the financial sector. In this way, many ideas are transformed into ventures that add value to society.
Regarding the role of the CIE ORT, Professor Scasso reflects: “The fact that students have a team of professors, tutors, and mentors ready to guide them, offer advice on how to improve their ideas, and support them in turning those ideas into businesses is one of the pillars that makes Universidad ORT Uruguay of the best in Latin America.”
On the other hand, Alejandra Rossi believes that the CIE ORT is a space that empowers students and graduates in their initiatives, which is a great asset: “The most important thing is to develop an entrepreneurial mindset because it can serve us well in any area of life, whether it’s completing a form or starting a global company.”