NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Innovative Solutions for Entrepreneurs in Central America

Despite the Recognition of the Role of Micro and Small Enterprises in the Global Economy, They Still Face Multiple Challenges. One of the Main Obstacles Is the Limited Access to Finance, Especially for Those Businesses That Are Already Established and Need Between Eur 5,000 and Eur 50,000 for Their Development. Another Challenge for These Companies Is to Strengthen Their Management Skills, in Particular Their Financial and Accounting Management and Those Related to Market Access. Moreover, the Lack of Basic Accounting and Financial Statements Is Often a Major Barrier to Accessing Finance.

Faced With This Situation, Some Actors in Central America Are Developing Innovative Solutions for Entrepreneurs, Based on a Financing Offer Combined With Support on Product Development, Market Access, and Management.

Voices of Guatemala and El Salvador

Through This “Midi de la Microfinance”, ADA Wishes to Share the Experience of Some of Its Partners Who Promote Youth Entrepreneurship Within the Framework of the Yes FI (Young Entrepreneurs Sustainable Funding Initiative) Programme, Namely :

Alterna (Guatemala) That Has Launched the Impact Investment Programme “Catalyzer” Which Allows Young Entrepreneurs to Access Financing Ranging From 5 to 50,000 Eur and Whose Repayment Is Based on the Evolution of Their Turnover. in Addition to Its Innovative Financing and Support Methodology, “Catalyzer” Also Has the Particularity of Targeting Companies With a High Social and Environmental Impact by Including This Criterion in Its Selection Process;

Fundación Cacao (El Salvador), an Association of Business Angel Investors Created Jointly With the Insert/Yawal Incubator in El Salvador. Together, These Two Actors Are Developing a Support and Financing Mechanism That Combines the Concepts of Guarantee, Loan, and Equity for the Benefit of Small Businesses With a High Social Impact.

Agenda

Moderator: Carla Palomares, Acting Head of Technical Support for Microfinance Institutions at ADA

10.00 (Guatemala Time): Introduction

10.05: Discussion Between the Speakers
– Manfred Bauer, Director of Cultivation at Alterna (Guatemala)
– Fernando Morán, Founder of Fundación Cacao (El Salvador)

10.40: Questions and Answers With Online Participants​

10.55: Closing Remarks
– Mónica Ducoing, Central America & Mexico Chapter Manager of Ande (Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs)

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 Am Guatemala / 11:00 Am – 12:00 PM EST