Section 515.340 defines the term “independent private sector entrepreneur” to mean a Cuban national who is not a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba or a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party, and who is one or more of the following: (a) an owner, including a self-employed individual (cuentapropista), or employee of a small private business entity, private cooperative, or a sole proprietorship located in Cuba, in each case of up to 100 employees; (b) an independent contractor or consultant; (c) a small farmer who owns his or her own land; (d) a small usufruct farmer who cultivates state-owned land to sell products on the open market; or (e) a private cooperative or small private business entity located in Cuba of up to 100 employees that is owned only by individuals described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of § 515.340. For example, small private business entities or private cooperatives owned only by independent private sector entrepreneurs, as defined, could include:
- Agricultural businesses and farming cooperatives;
- Animal feed and veterinary services;
- IT services, software development businesses, and mobile application developers
- Food and beverage importers, production/processing businesses, packaging and food distributors;
- Clothing, jewelry, fashion design, and beauty/cosmetics suppliers and services;
- Historic preservation and cultural preservation businesses;
- Arts-related businesses;
- Machinery manufacturing and repair businesses;
- Shipping, logistics, expediting, and delivery of goods businesses;
- Medical supply businesses;
- Restaurants and bars;
- Taxis and transportation services;
- Bed and breakfasts;
- Manufacturing companies;
- Business consulting services, marketing and branding services;
- Accounting and bookkeeping services;
- Home construction business and remodeling, plumbing, electrical, or other repair companies for business or residential facilities and homes;
- Furniture design and manufacturing companies;
- Travel services;
- Vendors of personal care and household items, furniture, and appliances;
- Interior decoration and design businesses;
- Film and media production or journalism businesses;
- Gyms, personal training, or fitness classes; and
- Mechanical services (automobile, refrigeration, heating and A/C services and repair).