Ecuadorian entrepreneurship programs expand support for local businesses

Various initiatives are supporting entrepreneurship and rural development in Ecuador. The seventh edition of the ‘Emprendamos Junt@s’ program recently concluded in Quito, graduating 2,700 entrepreneurs. Supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation and implemented by Junior Achievement Ecuador, the program provided specialized training in business models and pitching. Twenty-five participants received economic incentives to strengthen their businesses after demonstrating high levels of commitment and successful business presentations.

In a separate effort to bolster the agro-food sector, the Agrojoven program held its first major business matchmaking event at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Quito. The event brought together 300 young rural entrepreneurs from all 24 provinces of Ecuador to showcase products such as specialty coffee, honey, chocolate, and spices to various companies. Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the initiative aims to improve employment quality for youth under 30 in rural areas. Organizers expect to facilitate numerous commercial links, with a preliminary goal of reaching $100,000 in purchase pre-agreements.