Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the fate of ZEDEs, Hondurans still see Morazán as an opportunity to better their lives. That’s why residents continue to move in and businesses continue to form. This article is about an example of a recently started enterprise, Tienda Juliette.

Tienda Juliette (TJ) is a family-run pulpería or minimarket. The pulpería was created in response to the first minimarket’s limited business hours, product offerings, and high premiums.

After noticing these areas for improvement, Tienda Juliette decided that it could offer similar services to the community. TJ turned its idea into reality in hours, thanks to the community’s safety, permissive zoning laws, and high economic freedom.

Now, only weeks later, business is booming! Like other businesses in Ciudad Morazán, TJ accepts eLPS, a lempira-based stablecoin, as well as lempira. In crypto payments alone, TJ has received enough revenue to cover its costs and expand its product line!

While this story may seem trivial to some, it’s important to remember that legally opening a business in Choloma is an expensive and time-consuming process. An entity type would have to be selected, municipal fees would have to be paid, zoning laws would have to be complied with, and goods would have to have a 15% value-added tax.

These unnecessary restrictions make it hard for Hondurans to open a legally compliant business and improve their circumstances. In addition, there is a high risk of extortion by local gangs. Fortunately, ZEDEs are helping people to experience a better way.

​We look forward to seeing what business our entrepreneurial community will produce next!