- Ecuador -
Pan de Vida
The Quito Entrepreneur Program launched in 2020 to address the critical need for business creation that empowers families toward self-sufficiency.
In 2020, we started with 24 Business Mentors and trained 35+ Entrepreneurs who are now equipped to start and grow thriving businesses.
To date, 115 projects have paid back their first microloans and are growing their businesses!
“We trained over 35 entrepreneurs and now are looking to branch out beyond our city to other parts of our country.”
The Need
In 2019 one in five Ecuadorans lived under the national poverty line. By the end of 2020 the number increased to one out of every two.*
Without help, families and children will continue to struggle with food security, health care, access to education, and economic opportunities.
Due to the challenges of COVID-19 and the lack of transportation, online business training and mentoring are essential for the underserved. Funding is needed to create an online Spanish platform that will reach not only the families of Quito, but the many other communities of Ecuador and beyond.
* Centre for Microsiulation and Policy Analysis, Jan 2021
We are partnering with
Pan de Vida, an Ecuadorian-led non-profit in Quito, Ecuador, to lift families out of poverty and create lasting social, economic, and spiritual transformation through business creation.
Our Lean Start Entrepreneur Initiative supports community transformation through business development among men and women.
The Way Towards Flourishing Families
STEP 1: PREPARE
Help underserved families explore their capacity and take action toward sustainable livelihoods. Begin to identify those with entrepreneurial skills and initiative.
STEP 2: PLANT
Train and mentor those who demonstrate initiative to start and grow a business of their own. Weekly online training with appropriate in person support helps launch businesses that are consistent with proven capacity, expertise, and available resources.
STEP 3: GROW
Provide increased mentorship and support along with access to capital as needed to grow and scale businesses.
The Opportunity
Your generosity creates equity in the success of Ecuadorean entrepreneurs, their families, and the communites in which they live. COVID-19 has not made it any easier.
By investing in the growth and care of locally owned businesses, you help communities get back to work, building up economy and the capacity to thrive. That means families are strengthened, children and the elderly cared for, and communities flourish.
Create a Return on Investment for Families
1. VOLUNTEER as a Subject Matter Expert
2. GIVE toward the creation and facilitation of the Ecuadorian entrepreneur training program
3. HELP establish a locally sustainable small business start-up fund