March 13, 2024 – At WPDI, we believe in the inherent power of women to act as agents of positive transformation, no matter their background or past experience. Our peacebuilding initiatives around the globe have shown us that investing in the futures of underprivileged individuals, especially among women and youth, can have a highly positive effect on communities with vast potential for socio-economic development. Certainly, people from these demographic groups often experience disproportionate challenges created by economic hardship, but we have always found that their force of spirit belies their misfortune and underscores the boundless potential they harbor within them.
It is this too often untapped potential that WPDI strives to unleash through our targeted Business and Entrepreneurship programs, notably in Tijuana, Mexico As a major city on the border with the United States, Tijuana presents many opportunities, which attracts a large population of migrants, but it also presents many problems, including gang-violence, inequality and the marginalization for the many migrants who are unable to cross the border. This is a place with many challenges, but it is also a place with immense potential that we know can be channeled effectively for positive transformation. This is why we are so committed to promoting employability and entrepreneurship as springboards for sustainable livelihoods and peaceful communities.
Our Business Bootcamp program is the mainstay of these efforts, which creates access to vocational training, encourages entrepreneurship, and acts as a platform for business incubation.
In order for peacebuilding to take root at the community level, it is essential that it is driven by internal forces and resources. Having tangible skills, whether through employment or owning a business, is inherently empowering, instilling self-confidence and other essential values for sustaining a livelihood. A crucial aspect of our efforts involves supporting, mentoring and developing small businesses initiated and overseen by young individuals, women, and members of the local community.
Each 9-week training program ends with a Business Plan Competition, where various business projects are given the opportunity to access WPDI seed funding and mentorship after their projects are scrutinized by a dedicated expert jury.
At the end of 2023, we held 4 such competitions, two in the framework of our Women’s Livelihood Program supported by the L’Oréal Fund for Women, and the other two for all our business trainees, supported by the Western Union Foundation. In total, 16 businesses came out as winners (10 for the Women’s Livelihood Program and 6 for the standalone trainees).
The Women’s Livelihood Program Bootcamp was an opportunity for migrant women from diverse backgrounds to present and develop their different business projects and for some, to gain access to WPDI seed funding.
Winners included Juana Flores, a former reporter who wants to develop a well-equipped elderly care center. Another, Elisa Favela, who escaped violence in the south of Mexico, presented a project for a wellness center and spa. Maria de las Mercedes Izábal de la Garza is determined to develop her cookies and pastries and business, and Sirley Banesa Arroyaven, her Colombian chorizo project. Patricia Pombo, from Colombia, proposed an education center for underprivileged children focused on art. Juanita Guevara, a resilient elderly woman who overcame personal violence, cares for her disabled son, and set up a small business making Tamales, a local dish made with cornmeal dough and wrapped in corn husks.
These remarkable individuals, from Colombia, Venezuela, the south of Mexico or Haiti, sought a better life in Tijuana, escaping safety concerns, crime, gang violence, and limited opportunities for people with disabilities. Their stories exemplify strength, resilience, and hope for a brighter future.
Patricia Pombo was overjoyed at being given the opportunity to present her idea to the jury, which subsequently chose her project for backstop funding: “I knew that Tijuana would be my home when I saw that opportunities such as the ones offered by WPDI were available. I never thought that competing would be such a smooth experience, although I was nervous, I felt confident and strong and I think that was visible to the judges. Thank you, I won’t let you down!”
The winners are receiving concrete resources and support, including a WPDI seed grant, as well as intangible support, including backstopping assistance, advice, and targeted training adapted to the entrepreneurs’ needs and the particular stage of their business development. It is our hope that in helping these businesses flourish and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit, we can contribute to fuel the local economy, open doors for underprivileged individuals, and encourage the development of infrastructure conducive to sustainable peace.
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