According to the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) in its 2018 edition, El Salvador lost 13 positions compared to 2017 and ranks 114th out of the 137 economies evaluated, with a score of 16.7 points out of a possible 100. This reflects that this country is not exactly a place where entrepreneurs are supported and have multiple opportunities to develop successfully.
In the case of El Salvador we have four very interesting finalists because they are very different from each other but offer innovative, creative and worthy of sharing ideas. These ventures are: B100 Arquitectos, BLOKITUBOS, Línea Rosa and Tuco&Tico.
At B100 Arquitectos they design dreams. This undertaking is based on a new architectural concept, from which the efforts for the conservation of non-renewable resources and the natural environment promote the integration of techniques, bioclimatic principles and sustainable design to a new form of architecture.
After completing their specialization studies in Europe and the United States, architects Rafael E. Cienfuegos and Heidemarie Bonilla Sessler return to El Salvador to implement the knowledge acquired through the development of Bioclimatic Architecture and Sustainable Design as a tool for the proper use and conservation of the environment and natural resources. Since 2008, B100 architects emerges as one of the first architectural firms in the Central American region with the capacity and training to create a new form of design, in total harmony and proper integration with the natural environment.
For Heidemarie Bonilla, an important challenge her business has faced is that in our region people are not used to investing in design, much less in sustainable design. That is why she sends an important message to people who are starting or developing their business: "Be original and believe in your ideas".
Speaking a little about INCAE Entrepreneur Award, architect Bonilla tells us that for her and her venture it has been a great recognition that an institution like INCAE has chosen them as finalists for the Acceleration Workshop, from which she takes away a lot of knowledge and the importance of sitting down and dedicating time to properly plan their business strategy and land their ideas.
BLOKITUBOS is a 100% Salvadoran company that for 40 years has contributed to the economic development of the country through the generation of more than 170 direct jobs and the construction of important projects in the industry. Its commitment is to manufacture certified materials with the highest quality standards. In the last 3 years they have made significant changes in the organization, processes and facilities, contributing even more to the growth and sustainability of El Salvador.
In simpler words, the main products of this company are concrete blocks and pavers. They produce a variety of specifications and colors for the main projects in El Salvador.
According to Manager Claudia Saade, the company's biggest challenge is to adapt to change, due to the risk this implies for investors.
For Claudia, BLOKITUBOS being a finalist for the award is a turning point for the company to review its actions so far and decide to take new directions that will lead it to do better things than it has been doing so far.
Línea Rosa was born from a need that was not covered by the market and was seen by its founder, Lorena González, as an entrepreneurial opportunity. This venture began operations in November 2014. The initiative has a fleet of 8 vehicles of the year and a staff of 6 collaborators, including drivers and administrative personnel. Línea Rosa began operations to meet the demand and need of women to be able to transport themselves with confidence and safety with other women, becoming their strategic allies and providing them with complementary services for their children and also for the elderly.
Over the years, Línea Rosa has identified a new market, given the acceptance of the transportation service and discovers that it can expand its business by creating new sources of employment. The company guarantees the comfort, availability and security to the client, always with the help of enterprising women. Currently, Linea Rosa represents an opportunity for personal development, economic independence, and the generation of extra income for Salvadoran women.
For González it has been a major challenge to obtain financing to make her business idea a reality, as well as the marked gender inequality that still unfortunately characterizes the business world.
Regarding being a finalist for the award, Lorena Gónzalez believes that it is a challenge to get this far and reaffirms her desire to continue learning from the experts. For her, the Acceleration Workshop taught her that she must grow and must not hesitate or be afraid, as well as the importance of continuing education.
If I could give a message to entrepreneurs it would be: "You have to open markets, believe in your dreams, set goals and impact others in a positive way".
It is a bakery that started in the home of founder Renata Moreno de Flamenco's parents in 2011. Since they started baking at home, they have produced products of the highest quality ready to serve to their customers. At the beginning, two people did all the work (starting in the morning with going to the market to buy raw materials, baking and delivering the orders in the afternoon), little by little the project took shape and today, with a lot of effort and thanks to the team they have, they have three branches and a production center. They also have a team of 19 people and have plans to continue growing. Currently, they produce bread, desserts, cakes, snacks and other gourmet products in their stores; they also manufacture products for 35 restaurants.
Renata, founder of Tuco&Tico, always loved cooking and creating products. This entrepreneur dreamed of having a store and 8 years later, after much effort and hard work, her dream is a reality. Being among the 20 finalists of the award has been an honor for her and her team, because it is the result of hard work and the fact that they are recognized as part of the examples to follow in Latin America is a great responsibility to continue doing things well and always with a lot of positivism towards the future.
A message he gives to all people who are thinking about entrepreneurship is "don't be afraid to dream, but always keep your feet on the ground. Entrepreneurship is a difficult path but if you don't give up you can reach your success much further than you thought you could."
As evidenced, these four ventures have in common the passion for making things work, the dream of growing and the idea of implementing positive changes for their ventures. Attitudes that every entrepreneur should have to make their way in their market niche and be successful. In this case, due to the conditions in El Salvador, which are not the most favorable, these enterprises have an even greater challenge to be successful in the national and international market.
Learn more about the INCAE Entrepreneur Award: http://x.incae.edu/incae -entrepreneur-award-2018/
