Meet Prospera Technical Assistance Committee Member in North Carolina, Oscar Barzuna-Hidalgo
Oscar Barzuna-Hidalgo is a Program Director of the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship at UNC Charlotte, where he helps prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and experiential learning. His passion for entrepreneurship extends beyond the classroom. As a member of Prospera’s Technical Assistance Committee in North Carolina, Oscar contributes his time and perspective by helping assess the viability of Business Advancement Services provided by Prospera and providing strategic feedback to help businesses move forward. Continue reading to learn more about Oscar and his commitment to entrepreneurship and community development.
What are your workplace’s mission and products/services?
UNC Charlotte’s mission is to provide education that prepares students to become leaders, innovators, and contributors to their communities. As Program Director of the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship, I help educate and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.
What motivated you to serve as a Prospera volunteer?
My motivation stems from a deep commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening our business ecosystem. Having seen firsthand how valuable accessible resources and guidance are for small business owners, I wanted to leverage my background in entrepreneurship to help founders navigate challenges and scale effectively. Serving on the Technical Assistance Committee since 2023 allows me to combine my passion for teaching and mentorship with meaningful community engagement. By helping assess the viability of Business Advancement Services and providing strategic feedback, I can directly support entrepreneurs and contribute to our local economy.
What have you enjoyed the most so far about volunteering with Prospera?
Seeing the direct impact of our work on local business owners. There is nothing more rewarding than helping assess the viability of Business Advancement Services, learning about an entrepreneur’s vision, and knowing that our committee’s feedback can help move that business forward.
What would you most like the community to know about Prospera?
Prospera is an important resource for entrepreneurs. Many business owners have great ideas but lack access to the networks, capital, or technical expertise needed to grow. Prospera helps bridge those gaps, and when local businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.
Which three words best describe you?
Empathetic, collaborative, and dedicated.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
Sustainable success is built on relationships and resilient communities. Early in my career, it was easy to focus on strategies and individual accomplishments. Over time, I’ve learned that lasting impact comes from listening to others, building trust, collaborating, and empowering the people around you.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
For me, it’s life/work balance because life comes first. I prioritize my personal commitments, establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, and focus on maintaining balance over the long term rather than trying to achieve a perfect split every day.
How do you stay informed about trends in your industry?
My students are one of my best sources of insight. Their ideas, experiences, and entrepreneurial ambitions keep me connected to emerging trends and help me connect academic theory with real-world practice.
Where is your favorite place to have a meeting outside of the office?
Any coffee shop.
Which social media platform do you use most frequently?
LinkedIn.
What is one item still on your bucket list?
One of my biggest goals is to create a center that supports entrepreneurs in Costa Rica by providing mentorship, resources, and connections to help businesses grow sustainably.
Oscar’s dedication to entrepreneurship education and his commitment to strengthening the small business ecosystem make him a valued member of Prospera’s Technical Assistance Committee in North Carolina. Through his experience in entrepreneurship, mentorship, and strategic planning, he contributes a valuable perspective that helps strengthen the organization’s work in support of the community. Prospera is grateful to have volunteers like Oscar who share their knowledge and leadership to help advance our mission.
