In order to address these constraints, INCAE has developed the Empresarias Progresando Program (EMPRO Honduras), funded by the PriceSmart Foundation and Cargill. The Program aims to provide women SME leaders with the business and financial skills and knowledge necessary for their growth.
As part of EMPRO, participants have prepared to present their ventures and growth plans to two panels of experts: one financial and the other business. These presentations took place today, June 15, at the Cortés Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCIC), using the "elevator pitch" format.
During this activity, known as the Business Roundtable, the entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of potential retailers and new distribution channels for their products. In addition, they interacted and showed their products to representatives of organizations and special guests present at the event.
The day's activities were inaugurated by Arlette Ictech, Member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Industries and Commerce of Cortés, who welcomed the distinguished participants, including Liliana Barahona, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Honduras and Guatemala of Cargill; Francisco Velásquez, PriceSmart's San Pedro Sula Club Manager; Ronald Arce, Director of CLACDS/INCAE, Gracia María Barahona, Manager of the EMPRO Honduras Program of CLACDS/INCAE and Ingrid Quirós, Academic Coordinator of EMPRO Honduras.
The EMPRO Program began in October of last year and aims to provide training and mentoring to women entrepreneurs in order to improve and diversify their access to markets, as well as to strengthen their capacity to obtain credit and other financial services necessary for their growth.
For more information about EMPRO Honduras and its activities, please contact Mauren Esquivel at mauren.esquivel@incae.edu.
