Interweave Solutions Hosts First Ever Self Reliance Graduation Ceremony in Ecuador
Provo, Utah (PRWEB) September 23, 2015 -- "It was my first graduation in my life!" exclaimed a grateful, teary eyed Rosita, a seasoned grandmother that runs a small business making dolls and art crafts. "My business has improved, I keep records and I am pleased to be graduating with my group of friends."
On Sept 16th, 2015, twenty micro business owners from a poor section of Quito, Ecuador,, some who can't read or write, received their Masters of Business in the Street (MBS) certificates. Dignitaries from the city, family members and friends were there to cheer the graduates as many of them were graduating for the first time.
"I can't read or write but my daughter helped me hand in the requirements and I know enough numbers to keep records," explained one of the graduates who runs a simple food stand at the Quito business fairs regularly offered around the city. "I am so grateful for the training and the friends I have made."
The MBS program was designed by Interweave Solutions of the United States and was offered in collaboration with ConQuito, a Quito city economic development program. The MBS is designed to reach informal business owners that have had no business training. By teaching the basic "6ps" of business, plan, product, process, price, promotion and paperwork, the entrepreneurs start and improve their businesses and make them legal with the city. Each graduate pays a small amount to receive the diploma they earn. The city of Quito provided the training space and helped organize the groups.
To receive the MBS certificate, the graduates had to attend a weekly meeting for four months, develop a business plan and implement it, develop a home/life personal plan and offer service to the group and community. All of the plans and financial registers of the new or expanding businesses are reviewed by Interweave for quality control. Once each person is approved they pay a small fee and are qualified to receive their MBS diploma.
ConQuito is excited about the program. They are offering their training facilities to Interweave and invited them to attend a local job fair in which 864 people signed up for the MBS program.
"We need economic development. Interweave is helping hundreds of our citizens start or grow their businesses and help them become part of the formal economy." said the local Conquito coordinator.
The Interweave MBS program is growing. Honduras, Ethiopia, Congo and Portugal are currently in the process of training MBS graduates. Interweave has their materials translated in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. They have been licensed in Nepalese and will soon be available in Tagalog.
"Self reliance comes when we work with the great people who form the informal economy around the world," says Dean Curtis, representative of Interweave Solutions. "They don't want hand outs. They want partnerships, collaboration and training. The MBS program is designed to help people help themselves in informal businesses around the world."
Those interested in donating and contributing can learn more at http://interweavesolutions.org
Lynn Curtis, Interweave Solutions, http://www.interweavesolutions.org/, +1 (435) 553-4773, [email protected]
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