IDB - Inter-American Development

Published purpose

The project promotes the growth and resilience of women-led or owned small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in various member countries of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP), particularly Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. It improves their business performance, their capacity to participate in value chains, and their ability to scale-up their businesses. It provides women entrepreneurs, especially those from vulnerable populations, with access to a six-month virtual accelerator training program, to build their capacity in financial literacy and in accessing finance opportunities. It also supports in connecting women entrepreneurs to value chains and to networking opportunities to grow their businesses effectively. The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity seeks to harness the economic potential of the Americas and drive regional competitiveness. In complement to initiatives supported by the United States and Uruguay, Canada’s contribution via the ACWE project bolsters startups in APEP countries, leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship as powerful tools to create lasting prosperity. Project activities include delivery of eight training modules, each made up of workshops and webinars with live mentoring and networking sessions; including: (1) innovation and Growth; (2) strategy and strategic planning; (3) digital business; (4) successful sales plan; (5) marketing; (6) growth and financing; (7) family business management; and (8) founder to chief executive officer. Training is complemented by roundtable discussions and linkages with technical specialists, financial institutions, buyers, and business experts. The program will conclude with women participants developing a Growth Plan for their business. The Inter-American Development Bank implements the project in collaboration with Thunderbird School of Global Management. The project will directly benefit 450 women entrepreneurs, as well as 3,690 indirect beneficiaries across the 6 countries