Título en español.

Abstract

In recent years, economic crisis, increasing unemployment, and the poverty levels growth in Puerto Rico have lead towards development of entrepreneurship programs, specifically, the development of microenterprises. This initiative has come from central and some local governments, to strengthen the economy as a strategy to reduce poverty. Previous studies indicate that the initiatives generated by local authorities or municipalities can achieve and maintain a favorable business climate for micro-enterprises, its development, and proliferation. This paper analyzes the scope of programs or business initiatives established by municipal governments. It also looks at to what extent this initiative direct their efforts to benefit the poor in the island to reduce unemployment rates and poverty. The investigation has showed that the majority of the municipalities delegated to the central government implementation and business support policy. Most of the municipalities do not have an articulated, coherent and collaboration policy that results in local economic growth. It concludes by providing recommendations to strengthen Puerto Rico´s entrepreneurship public policy, to serve as an effective strategy to reduce poverty, and contribute to national development.