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In the heart of San José, Ecuador, an educational Business Program has a lasting impact on an entire community.
The first class of the 360° Business Academy focused on marketing skills designed to to empower participants with the tools needed to thrive in the competitive tourist business landscape.
One of many remarkable aspects of the first class was the 100% graduation rate.
As a reward for their dedication, graduates received a re-payable grant to implement the marketing plans they developed during the class, providing a tangible boost to their businesses.
During the class, the students' realized the collective power they possessed. Rather than focusing solely on their individual enterprises, the graduates recognized the value of cooperation. They pooled resources and newly-learned expertise to implement strategies aimed at marketing the entire community, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats.
The class instilled in its students the positive impact collaboration can have on a community's economic landscape. By working together, these entrepreneurs maximized their impact, creating a ripple effect that reached far beyond the confines of their own businesses.
The success of the pilot business education class in San Jose goes beyond the acquisition of marketing skills. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and collaboration.
Cabaña owner, Yajaira, demonstrated her new marketing skills by creating an appealing storefront.
In response to student evaluations stating they want MORE,
a 3-month business planning workshop built on the original class to expand the students' knowledge, introduce guest lecturers, and provide invaluable networking opportunities with local small business experts.
Some of our new students and their goals:
Maria, a restaurant owner and chef, aims to enhance her marketing and customer service knowledge to better serve her loyal clientele and eventually raise her own chickens to reduce food costs and improve her profit margin.
Maria Isabel, the comuna president, is looking to refine her customer service skills to benefit her community interactions and has long-term plans to open a pharmacy, leveraging her background in nursing and pharmacy sales.
Rosa, who runs a beachside umbrella rental and drink business, and Mírea, who operates a small store from her home, both seek to learn customer service skills to ensure consistent cash flow and expand their offerings.
Janina, a small pharmacy owner, aims to discover methods to boost her business revenue, while Yajaira, a restaurant owner and chef, is focused on improving her English to better engage with tourists and grow her client base.
Miriam, a restaurant owner specializing in Creole food and BBQ, is eager to learn marketing and customer service skills to elevate her restaurant's quality.
Elsy owns a native handicraft boutique. She wishes to market the business to a broader audience and eventually relocate to a more tourist-centric area to attract more customers.
Our first class, July 2024
Miriam runs a busy panderia and pizzeria in the center of Olón, Ecuador.
Carolina and her husband own the best bakery in Olón, providing baked goods to the local residents, restaurants and neighboring grocery stores.
Anna sells amazing salsas and marmalades at the local farmers markets.
Tania operates the world famous resort, Samai Lodge, located in San José, Ecuador.
Valeria runs a friendly café catering to the tastes of travelers from all parts of the globe.
Anahi operates an upscale, renowned restaurant on the busiest street in Olón, Ecuador. Facebook
Read the inspiring stories of the remarkable and resilient business owners who will share their experiences with our aspiring entrepreneurs.
360°BusinessAcademyBrochure_2024 (pdf)
DownloadWatch a brief history of the first 360° Business Academy class.
"Role playing helped me gain the confidence to interact with my foreign customers." Rose, Nail Technician
"I learned about branding and how to create advertisements for my shop." Isabel, Shop Owner
"I used my grant money to improve my cabaña and buy supplies to expand my catering business." Yajaira, Cabaña Restaurant Owner
"I gained insight into the importance of making small gestures, like including thank you cards, to ensure repeat customers to my business." Christian, Poultry Business Owner
"Collaborating with my fellow students made a big impact on our outlook. We pooled our money to fund a roadside sign that drew business to the entire community." David, Computer Repair Technician/Shop Owner
"The students are so energized after each class. Their new knowledge will positively impact both their families and the community." Maria, San José Comuna President
Twenty four students learned to successfully promote their businesses and products to increase their revenue.
The students in the San José community learned the value of collaboration and networking to create marketing material to benefit the entire region.
Seventeen business owners received seed funding to implement their marketing strategies or improve their business providing economic stimulus for the entire community as the funds were strategically spent within the community.
360 Business Academy
Our initial business course directly impacted 24 local entrepreneurs, resulting in an increased awareness of the importance of creating intentional marketing strategies to sustain their businesses. Through the dedication of 3 volunteer instructors, we provided personalized instruction, translating into measurable gains and improved confidence levels among our student body. With a 100% graduation rate, we're proud to report that
our efforts have not only elevated business success but also instilled a desire for continued business education in our community.
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