San Juan — (Wednesday, December 2, 2020) Fifteen entrepreneurs from Loíza began a virtual training process with over 40 hours of training, practical sessions, and support through the Loiza Glocal Bootcamp from the Vitrina Solidaria, reported Executive Director Raquel Skerrett Escalera.
The businesses of the selected male and female entrepreneurs for the free training belong to the agricultural, food, and artisanal product economic sectors. Most of the small and medium-sized enterprises participating in the training have been established in Loíza for two years, and the one with the longest market presence is three and a half years old. One of the projects will begin operations in 2021.
“We are very enthusiastic about this group of 11 businesswomen and 4 businessmen from Loíza, who over several weeks will be exposed to knowledge and new tools that will help them improve the structure of their businesses, and for one of them, to establish a solid foundation,” said the executive director. “The goal is for these projects to grow in order to generate more jobs in Loíza and help reduce the poverty and unemployment gap,” she added.
The Loíza Glocal Bootcamp program is viable thanks to sponsorship from Puerto Rico Community Foundation.
“The Loíza Glocal Bootcamp joins the racial equity and community recovery initiatives that the Puerto Rico Community Foundation is developing in Loíza to contribute to the holistic well-being of children, youth, and families. This particular program activates the local economy by offering access to resources that will increase sales and job creation for new or existing micro-entrepreneurs, while simultaneously increasing the human, physical, and financial community capital in Loíza,” stated Dr. Nelson I. Colón Tarrats, president of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation.
Skerrett Escalera explained that Vitrina Solidaria uses the ‘Business Bootcamp” methodology and provides support in areas of entrepreneurship, environment, and community. Additionally, they will develop their solidarity business canvas, which in this case is a document exclusive to Vitrina Solidaria that has been modified with three (3) new blocks integrating sustainability into their initiatives and projects. During the Bootcamp, they will also create the annual action plan aimed at outlining the steps to be taken over a year. The accompaniment and technical support will extend beyond the 40 hours of training.
The training for the Loiceño entrepreneur group will be offered over seven weeks between December and February in a virtual format, with work sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The eligibility requirements for business owners included being at least 18 years old, residing in Loíza for the duration of the program, and having lived there for at least three months prior to the program’s start. For teams, at least 50% of the business owners must be permanent residents of Loíza.
To learn more about programs for entrepreneurs, people can visit the website VitrinaSolidaria.org, write an email to info@vitrinasolidaria.org or text the number (787) 690-7272.
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Solidarity Showcase It is a social enterprise for sustainable development and solidarity economy that drives microenterprises and social ventures to achieve market success, thereby contributing to the prosperity of Puerto Rico. Vitrina showcases the best artisanal products and promotes equal opportunities for entrepreneurs through training and support activities, a virtual sales channel, and educational campaigns for responsible consumption.
Puerto Rico Community Foundation It is a philanthropic organization with a 35-year history of collaboration with donors and communities. It is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America and the only one of its kind in Puerto Rico. It is recognized as an organization under Section 1101.1 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code and as a 501(c)(3) organization under the Federal Internal Revenue Code, so depending on your tax status, you may be able to claim a deduction on your contribution.