Project name:
Strengthening Innovative Entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico
Project location:
Puerto Rico
Since 2017, AES Puerto Rico together with The Trust for the Americas, an organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS), implemented a program to train and strengthen the business skills of entrepreneurs or future entrepreneurs to develop or expand their small businesses. As part of the program participants receive forty hours of face-to-face training in entrepreneurial skills and virtual monitoring in their business model. A committee composed of five members evaluate aspects such as social impact, number of beneficiaries, commitment, employment opportunities and innovation, among others to select the winning projects and provide them with seed funding. Past businesses that have participated have been focused on hydroponics, sewing, gastronomy, sports training, product marketing, and event planning among others.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this active network of entrepreneurs and mentors have repurposed the existing communication channels to exchange information, ideas and participate in virtual webinars to manage their small businesses in times of crisis, and to learn tools for shifting to e-commerce and operating via social media.
Impact:
170 participants since 2018
Partners:
The Trust for the Americas
United Nations Sustainability Goal:
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Learn more about the entrepreneurs who have participated in our program and their businesses:
C & A Tropical Green – Taina's hydroponic lettuce businesses achieved 1st place in 2018 and since then her and the C&A team have exponentially grown their customers and diversified their crops, and are now distributing to up to 5 large companies on the island. They have since expanded their hydroponic farm and built a weather resilient roof for the greenhouse.
Ensueño Designs & Rentals - Iriana and Angel have managed to create a business where great customer service and creativity prevail in their decorations. When the COVID-19 pandemic began and events began to restricted the team successfully pivoted their business to open a line of small decorations to be able to stay in the market and continue to develop their entrepreneurship.
Portion Good to GO – Aracely's catering company seeks to deliver healthy food and portions directly to her customers and impact their lives with high-quality food. Since participating in the program she has strengthened her brand, expanded her digital marketings and communications, and developed a loyal customer base.
