In an effort to stimulate its economy, Cuba plans to allow the operation of small and medium-sized private businesses. The announcement was made in a government document and published in a state-run newspaper. Currently, self-employment is allowed in several hundred job categories in Cuba; however, self-employed Cubans find it difficult to run their businesses because they can’t get the supplies they need. Cuban entrepreneurs hope this reform will also allow them to import and export products. The reform could take up to six months to become law.