Photo: Courtesy of the United States Embassy in Guatemala

The United States Embassy in Guatemala introduced the eight organizations selected to receive funding from the Guatemalan Entrepreneurship and Development Initiative (GEDI), announced by Vice President Kamala Harris in June 2021.

According to the diplomatic entity, the project is an initiative of the Aspen Development Entrepreneurs Network (ANDE), with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (YOU SAIDin English) in the country.

In addition, the initial portfolio of projects led by business service organizations will receive investments of more than $10.3 million from USAID, as well as entities from various sectors to support small and medium enterprises.

It was reported that under this initiative, USAID and the private sector will support entrepreneurs and businesses to increase the access to renewable energies and the improvement of agriculture, water and sanitation, health and education in regions with high rates of emigration. USAID will also facilitate access to financing and other support for growing small businesses through incubators, accelerators, and private financial institutions.

The solutions presented by the selected organizations will offer business support services for nationals of Quetzaltenango, Alta Verapaz, Sololá, San Marcos, Chimaltenango, Quiché, Totonicapán, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez and Huehuetenango.

winners

The selected organizations are Alterna, EARTH University, FUNDES, INCAE (Central American Institute of Business Administration); Mercy Corps, Multiverse, Pomona Impact Foundation and Global Network of Indigenous Entrepreneurs.