2023 Vision: Women's Entrepreneurial Fund

Whole Family Prosperity

This is part of the 2023 Vision Report – click here to go to the full report.

The highlands of Guatemala have been home to Agros for almost 4 decades. Our family and our hearts are in Ixil and Barillas regions. But Guatemalans face a new challenge – mass migration.

Between 2015 and 2020 more than 500,000 people left Guatemala, mostly men, leaving behind families, land, and everything they know. They see no other way out of the extreme poverty that persists after years of civil war. Mass migration is decimating families and communities.

So, what does Agros do?

We stay where our hearts are… with the people and communities in Guatemala. We pride ourselves on a holistic approach to ending poverty involving the whole family. With fewer men living in the villages, we see strong women stepping up into community leadership, farming, and businesses. They are the foundation that will keep their communities strong and Agros will be by their side.

What is the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program?

In 2021, Agros launched a Women’s Entrepreneurial Program to prioritize services to women, promote financial literacy, and kick-start their ability to earn income. The program offers micro-loans (less than $1,000) and supportive services to women to develop and run profitable small businesses. Thanks to a new $500,000 investment fund, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program is expanding this year. In 2023, Agros will double the size of the program and reach more than 3,000 women!

Why focus on entrepreneurship??

Due to the many unique challenges facing rural Guatemalan families, including mass migration and the limited resources available to families, entrepreneurship is a way forward. Small businesses are needed in rural Guatemala, and just a small injection of cash capital can get someone started. In addition, access to credit and financial services means that families can earn income through their ingenuity and ability without the daily struggle of looking for work.

We also see that, especially for women, the flexibility of a small business ensures they can continue to care for their families.

What kinds of business are women starting??

Our entrepreneurs are truly inspiring! Daughters, sisters, mothers and grandmothers are finding ways to increase their household income while keeping their families together. Most businesses are run out of their homes or on their land.

Agricultural: Small plot farming and backyard gardens for local markets with niche crops like hot peppers and vegetables.
Textiles: Heritage weaving of traditional Guatemalan patterns using telar looms.
Retail: Small “mom and pop” shops, tortillerias, and bakeries.
Animal Husbandry: Egg farming, chickens, and other small live stocks like goats.

Thousands of women will be able to build wealth and prosperity for their families. And just like with the agribusiness hub, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund is a way to build wealth quickly. Your support is the vote of confidence, the voice of encouragement, and the small business loan that leads to monumental change.

We have set ambitious goals, but we know incredible people like you are by our side. Our Agros community is a blessing because it is a community who shares in God’s steadfast love. You join in our mission, see and understand the challenges that face our communities, and continue to jump in feet first to answer God’s call to participate in the restoration and reconciliation of people, places, and systems.

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received”
1 Peter 4:10

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions and follow us on social media to stay updated.

Blessings.

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Alberto Solano

Alberto joined Agros in September 2015 as President and Executive Director. Alberto brings more than 20 years of experience in microfinance and sustainable development in Central America to Agros.