5 August 2023, Quito, Ecuador – Promoting entrepreneurship and supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is key to advancing sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. UNITAR in collaboration with AB InBev and its Middle Americas Zone (MAZ) and the Tecnológico de Monterrey concluded the first edition of the “Emprendedores Programme” with a focus on Finance. 

210 participants successfully graduated from the Finance Course of the “Emprendedores Programme”, through which they acquired knowledge and strengthened their skills and competencies in accounting, inventory preparation, public services, earnings and savings, credit risk, and innovative ways for companies to process payments, among other important aspects that will facilitate and enhance the growth of their business. 

Programme participants took part in the graduation ceremonies in Guayaquil on 28 and 29 July, and in Quito on 4 and 5 August 2023. Recognizing the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in fostering inclusive social development, UNITAR emphasized that this Programme aims to serve as a tool to strengthen local economies and contribute to sustainable, stable, and inclusive societies. Entrepreneurship not only has the potential to drive the growth of MSMEs, fueling productivity progress but can also contribute to generating practical solutions to social and environmental challenges.

During the graduation celebration entrepreneurs shared stories of inspiration and resilience. Each entrepreneur was congratulated for completing the intensive training and development programme. 

"We commend every one of you for the dedication and hard work you have invested in this journey," said Mr Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR. "Your commitment to acquiring knowledge and transforming your skills not only elevates your own lives and families but also contributes significantly to the development of your communities" pointed out Mr. Seth in his congratulatory message. 

“Ecuador is one of the main countries with the most entrepreneurs. However, more than 80% of these micro-enterprises close after their first year due to a lack of training, financing, and tools that allow their optimal development…We seek to understand the reasons why these businesses closed early in the country, this is how our Emprendedores Programme was born” mentioned José Luis González, CEO of Cervecería Nacional.

UNITAR and AB InBev through the “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development Initiative” aim to empower entrepreneurs through mentoring, exchange of experiences and knowledge, training, financial resources, and digital solutions so that they can have the opportunity to develop their own businesses while reinforcing local growth. As a global company, AB InBev works with over 6 million small retailers. It is estimated that about 60% of these are in Latin America and women-owned. This joint initiative aims to further support retailers to understand strengths and opportunities for development, as well as challenges in accessing financial services while offering training in areas such as financial management, people management, planning, and operations. 

In the framework of this collaborative Initiative, the first graduation of the Emprendedores Programme concluded with a heartfelt appreciation from all participants to both UNITAR and AB InBev for their support and commitment to fostering sustainable development through education and entrepreneurship development.