400,000 entrepreneurs

Prensa Latina reports that there are now 400,000 Cubans working in the small entrepreneurial sector.  And the government, Reuters reports, is taking a positive step by finally creating stores where entrepreneurs can buy supplies at wholesale prices.  That will give entrepreneurs some flexibility to lower prices and an ability to hire more workers or otherwise invest in their businesses.  It could also reduce incentives for pilferage from state supplies.  AP reports that in addition to selling supplies and equipment, the new enterprise will offer storage and refrigerated storage service.

Some piecemeal efforts along these lines began in 2011; hopefully this is the real deal.