Within the framework of the Empresarias Progresando Program, EMPRO Honduras of CLACDS/INCAE signed a cooperation agreement with Banco LAFISE to strengthen the financial knowledge of participating Honduran beneficiaries.
The entrepreneurs will receive private mentoring sessions from LAFISE executives, who, having clarity on the purpose and business of each entrepreneur, will guide them towards their final process of obtaining financing, the main objective of this activity.
These mentorships take place during the final phase of the program, after having received training during the past seven months on topics such as growth and internalization strategies, product marketing, brand management, productivity enhancement, financial management, competitiveness, preparation for financing, corporate governance, among others.
Lizzeth Villatoro, General Manager of LAFISE, indicated that "with this pact we are joining the efforts of the Bank's gender-focused SME program with those of the EMPRO Program of CLACDS/INCAE, thus demonstrating the strong commitment of both entities to SMEs led by women".
Regarding Banco Lafise's current Non-Financial Offer for SMEs, Villatoro said she is convinced that many success stories will emerge, as these agreements promote and accelerate business through quality educational training, sowing seeds in people and promoting the country's development.
Banco Lafise will also participate in the business roundtables to be held in mid-June, where the businesswomen will present the projects they have worked on before a panel of executives representing different sectors of the country.
EMPRO began in October 2022, is managed by INCAE and financed with funds from the PriceSmart Foundation and Cargill. The signing ceremony was attended by Gracia María Barahona, Manager of the EMPRO Honduras Program, and Lizette Villatoro, General Manager of Banco LAFISE.
INCAE will sign agreements for similar purposes with other entities in the country that have also joined this effort to strengthen the capacities of SMEs led by women.
For further information please contact Mauren Esquivel at mauren.esquivel@incae.edu
