YBI Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Juan Ramón Nuñez: The Light of Sound,
Argentina
Juan Ramón Nuñez, owner of an audiovisual company operating in a
deprived area of Buenos Aires, has been named 2009 YBI Entrepreneur
of the Year.
The judging panel - which included high-profile
names like Deborah Meaden of BBC series Dragon's Den
- chose him for his ability to create a successful
entrepreneurial career despite his hardships.
Juan Ramón has struggled with being orphaned
at a young age, losing his first wife and developing heart
problems. Saddled with expensive medical bills and with no job
prospects Juan Ramón was forced to live with his
young family in one of the most dangerous areas of Buenos
Aires.
For four years – in the thick of the Argentine economic crisis –
Juan Ramón saved every penny he earned as a scrap collector in
order to set up a community radio station. Following its success,
he was then able to launch his audiovisual operation with the help
of YBI Partner Fundación Impulsar. His business, The Light of
Sound has not only become a successful business venture, but also
plays an important role in bringing the local community
together.
The judges said: “We chose Juan Ramón because he displays a true
entrepreneurial spirit of not accepting his lot, striving against
adversity and identifying a market and then attacking that market
through a scaleable business. He is a true inspiration and we wish
him success in the future.”
Juan Ramón was honoured at a gala dinner
hosted at St James’s Palace on 16 November 2009 by HRH The
Prince of Wales. In addition, he will receive prize
money of US$5,000 from YBI. Fundación Impulsar will also receive
US$5,000 in recognition of its work in supporting Juan Ramón.
Juan Ramón said: “This recognition is like a
stepping stone for me. It's the start of a new phase in my
entrepreneurial career.” He has already made several
media appearances since his win, drawing the world's attention to
The Light of Sound and the inspirational story
behind its success. (Click here to see Juan Ramón
featured on
BBC Mundo).
To read Juan Ramón's inspirational story
in his own words, check out his blog (in
Spanish). YBI proudly congratulates its
2009 Entrepreneur of the Year, whose
success hopefully inspires many other young people around the
world to explore entrepreneurship as an option for themselves.
About the YBI Entrepreneur of the Year
competition
The YBI Entrepreneur of the Year competition
was set up in 2006 to celebrate the achievements of young
entrepreneurs around the world. Now in its third year, the
competition celebrates the success of young entrepreneurs around
the world – the achievements of whom are helping to grow local
communities, stimulate job creation and provide essential products
and services. Young people that have been supported by the global
network led by YBI – spanning some 40 countries – are eligible to
enter the competition.