Social Enterprise Grants for the Common Good

Often, Guatemalans’ ability to conduct business seems underestimated. A crucial distinction we promote is our commitment to local programs that respect and honor indigenous customs and values. As we face rapid transitions due to globalization, climate change, and technological advances, we recognize the importance of preserving our cultural institutions, which have been pillars of our survival for centuries.

Our sacred book, the Popol Vuh, proclaims, "that all may rise and no one is left behind." Therefore, this programming initiative is based on the common good, as it focuses on developing collaborative platforms that respect and value local cultural practices. By fostering cooperation and creating mutual support networks, we promote shared and sustainable growth, aligned with the values and traditions of our communities.

However, while this collaborative and empowering approach is positive, we must address a crucial aspect: How to facilitate innovation among women entrepreneurs?

Starting an innovative social enterprise is rewarding but challenging, especially when it comes to obtaining funding. For many women in Guatemala, the path to entrepreneurship involves overcoming the difficulties of obtaining capital through loans. Loans with interest often extract wealth and leave women trapped in perpetual debt.

The story of Bilha, Gloria, and Eloisa is an inspiring example. Despite being single mothers and having overcome domestic violence, they have succeeded with their artisanal sausage business. Thanks to a year-long training in marketing and commercialization, they have implemented their business plan developed with the Online Marchante Project.

Currently, they need an industrial meat grinder, but the idea of acquiring it through a high-interest loan discourages them. However, they remain hopeful of finding an alternative to grow their business. They started with a production of 3 pounds of pork, a year later, they are producing 40 pounds of pork sausages, 25 pounds of chicken breast sausages, and, recently, 10 pounds of vegetarian sausages, weekly.

Through "Grants for the Common Good" we are creating a financial safety net that protects small enterprises from unexpected financial difficulties. Therefore, we propose a change in the practice of angel investors, calling them "cultivators." Instead of simply providing capital, our partners engage in a sacred relationship aimed at enriching the 'social soil' so that it becomes fruitful and abundant.

Be a cultivator of opportunities. Together, we can grow a debt-free future.

With HSP's recent “Healing Through Food” campaign, we have been able to showcase new recipes featuring different healthy foods, highlighting one healthy ingredient native to Mesoamerica per week, through our social media campaign on the HSP and AMA Facebook and Instagram pages. This initiative, part of our Social Enterprise Grants for the Common Good, is in collaboration with our sister nonprofit AMA. Through AMA's Marchante En Linea program, we feature recipes and small businesses that work with HSP and AMA, including several health products like Licha, an alternative flour made with healthy ingredients such as oat flour, flaxseeds, and chia.

The Healing through Food campaign aims to leverage the nutritional and cultural richness of native Mesoamerican ingredients by showcasing one such ingredient weekly. It introduces affordable, healthy, and easy-to-prepare recipe videos centered around these ingredients. Additionally, the program highlights small business owners in Guatemala who sell these products online, connecting them with a U.S.-based audience. 

The campaign also addresses the significant concern of diabetes and other prevalent dietary health issues. By focusing on education and the promotion of healthier lifestyle habits, this initiative aims to mitigate these concerns through dietary management. Highlighting native Mesoamerican ingredients and providing accessible, nutritious recipes encourages participants to adopt eating habits that can have a positive impact on their health and well-being.

Thanks to your donations, we are able to provide businesswomen with the materials they need to sell and market their products. Additionally, we can help them promote their products and assist with any other marketing materials such as packaging and logos. Because of you, we can ensure that we continue to support businesswomen and share their products with the world through our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.