Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Entrepreneurship

We sponsor students and train teachers to ensure that everyone gets the quality education they deserve. But, we don’t stop there, because we know that a degree alone does not equate to a successful life. Through our entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship loan programs, we are passionate about funding the incredible business spirit of young Guatemalans.

Our Entrepreneurship Program, in partnership with the EFTC Foundation, is for students from ages 16-23. It teaches skills that will make them more hireable and have the capacity to run their own business. Past coursess include nail art, hair cutting, embroidery, professional makeup, Spanish teaching certification, bag weaving, and basic electrical work. They’ve also learned business skills such as creating and managing a budget, marketing, implementing a growth strategy, forecasting, generating a SWOT analysis, and other core topics.

Entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step into small business ownership can apply for a loan. They will receive feedback and suggestions on their proposals and constant mentoring once approved. After a year of running the business, they can then sign a contract to begin paying back the loan, and we’ll use those funds to jumpstart the next business!

  • Israel's Barbershop

    Israel is the walking embodiment of hard work. After 7 years of working night shifts in a factory, he decided to pursue his passion of working in a barbershop. He took a course to learn the needed skills and spent two years working in a respected shop in Antigua. He then knew he was ready to open a high-class barbershop in San Miguel Escobar, an area that does not currently have many options for this service. In addition to modern haircuts, he offers other personal care services such as: styling eyebrows, cutting and styling beards and mustaches, and skin facials.

  • Marcos' Taco Shop

    Marcos is the owner of El Sazón Mexicano, a taco shop with locations in the Antigua and Jocotenango Markets.

    Both are incredible locations where there is a ton of foot traffic and not many other food options around. He specializes in tacos and quesadillas. Marcos has big plans to expand his business even more. He’s already hired two additional workers who help him run the restaurant and it’s helping him gain valuable managerial experience.

  • Elias' Top Man Barber Shop

    Elias has been to school his entire life thanks to the EFTC, from kindergarten through college, where he now studies graphic design. He’s parlayed those creative skills into launching Top Man barbershop, where he offers locals of all ages haircuts at a fair market price. One of the coolest parts about his business is that it’s located very close to the school where it all began. Elias has fully paid off his loan and is the sole-owner of Top Man Barbershop!

    Check out his full story here.

  • Gloria's Internet Cafe & Libreria

    In the very same location where we launched our first small business now stands Cafe Luna, a hip little village hangout with 5 computers offering internet and printing. This is the only access to public internet for miles, but Gloria Callejas doesn’t stop there; she’s not just running a for-profit business. Here, her mission goes hand in hand with our Literacy + Leaders program as she offers free internet and printing to students as well as a spot for 1-on-1 tutoring. With a goal to hire single mothers from the village, Cafe Luna could have a far, far-reaching impact on the entire community.

  • Adolfo's Pizza + Ice Cream

    Adolfo is studying Hotel Management and Gastronomy at University because he loves everything related to gastronomy, economics, administration, and customer service. This loves shines through at Angel’s Pizzeria serving up everything from breakfast to artisanal ice creams. He wants his shop to be characterized by innovation with a focus on his customers’ experience. Ultimately he wishes to create good moments by sharing my love of food with them. Click here to read more about Adolfo’s sweet dreams coming true.

  • Guadalupe's Crepe Company

    Guadalupe is currently finishing up a psychology degree on an EFTC scholarship, but she’s got even bigger dreams cookin’! With her grant, she’s launched Luna Crepas, a small restaurant where people can get to-go orders or receive their food via delivery. She created the business based on three pillars of a Guatemalan saying: good quality, good prices, and great service. The menu will begin with crepes, but she plans to grow it to include a diverse drink menu and fast food options including local cuisine. Learn more about her story here.

  • Kimberly's Clothing Company

    Kimberly graduated from a local fashion and design school on an EFTC scholarship and continued to study in more specialized design courses. She dreamed of one day owning her own clothing business, she just needed a little financial help to make that happen. She applied for and won an entrepreneurship grant, and hit the ground running. What started as a business sewing masks during the pandemic now has a bright future of growth ahead! Learn more here.

  • Andrés and José's Sanlu Bakery

    Our pilot grant was given to create a local bakery called Sanlu, run by José and Andrés Arias. It has already outgrown its original location and now has 5 shops that employ 16 people. Their team receives hands-on mentoring and nationally-certified training classes on baking and business development. These brothers have an eye on community development and give back a portion of their profits to help us create even more opportunity. Click here to meet the owners and learn more about what we’ve got cooking!

Like What You See? Join Us!