In the 1990’s I heard an economist say that “in the future countries will compete based on how well they treat people, ideas and capital.” He made the point that the USA was one of the worlds leaders in all three areas but that we had to be careful that we didn’t get complacent.  During our trip to Costa Rica in January Nurit and I saw three examples of entrepreneurial activity that should make thinking Americans concerned.

Lands in Love is a new eco-tourism lodge started by some immigrants from Israel.  I told their story back in January.  They chose Costa Rica because it had easier immigration laws than the USA and was the easiest place that they found in the world to start a resort.

I Love Sushi was founded by Marc Hauser, an American, who emigrated to Costa Rica 15 years ago because it fit his life style.  He was able to become a serial entrepreneur in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica.  It could have been Hermosa Beach, CA.

Brian May is a young Mechanical Engineer married to a friend of ours, Tracey.  He and Tracey ended up in Costa Rica after doing a stint as Christian Missionaries in Nicaragua.  He reps machine tools for one company and does some programing for another company and there is no doubt that they will own a business some day.

In all three cases businesses are getting started in Costa Rica that could have been started in the US.  These three entrepreneurs chose Costa Rica because it is more conducive to small start-ups. This should be of concern to the people who make the rules in the USA.