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Spirit of Wellness

360° Business Academy

In San José, Ecuador, the 360° Business Academy empowers local entrepreneurs through targeted marketing education. With a remarkable 100% graduation rate, participants implemented collective marketing strategies supported by repayable grants, creating sustainable economic growth that benefits the entire community.

Exterior of one of San Jose's Cabanas owned by Yajaira.

Cabaña owner, Yajaira, demonstrated her new marketing skills by creating an appealing storefront.

A Glimpse Inside the Class

Our Students

Some of our 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. 

2024 students at first class

360 student class, July 2024

Our Guest Lecturers

Miriam, Owner Pizzería de Micha

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Carolina, Owner Entremasas Pandería

exterior photo of DeMichi Pizzeria, Olón, Ecuador

Miriam runs a busy panderia and pizzeria in the center of Olón, Ecuador.

Carolina, Owner Entremasas Pandería

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Carolina, Owner Entremasas Pandería

Carolina and daughter, Zoey, at the bakery.

Carolina and her husband own the best bakery in Olón, providing baked goods to the local residents, restaurants and neighboring grocery stores. 

Instagram @entremasasgomez

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Anna at the farmers market selling her jams.

Anna sells amazing salsas and marmalades at the local farmers markets. 

Tania, Owner Samai Lodge Resort

Tania, Owner Samai Lodge Resort

Anna, Owner Flour House delicatessen

Photo of Tania.

Tania operates the world famous resort, Samai Lodge, located in San José, Ecuador.

Samai Ocean Lodge Website

Valeria, Owner Arena Café

Tania, Owner Samai Lodge Resort

Anahi, Owner MOMO Restaurant

Valeria runs a friendly café catering to the tastes of travelers from all parts of the globe.

Anahi, Owner MOMO Restaurant

Tania, Owner Samai Lodge Resort

Anahi, Owner MOMO Restaurant

Exterior, MOMO restaurant, Olón, Ecuador

Anahi operates an upscale, renowned restaurant on the busiest street in Olón, Ecuador. Facebook

Guest Lecturers' Biographies

Read the inspiring stories of the remarkable and resilient business owners who will share their experiences with our aspiring entrepreneurs.

Miram's Story (pdf)Download
Carolina's Story (pdf)Download
Tania's Story (pdf)Download
Valeria's Story (pdf)Download
Dr. Guzman's Story (pdf)Download

360°BusinessAcademyBrochure_2024 (pdf)

Download

Student Statements

360 class students participate in a role play.

"Role playing helped me gain the confidence to interact with my foreign customers." Rose, Nail Technician

Isabel in front of her tienda with class project.

"I learned about branding and how to create advertisements for my shop." Isabel, Shop Owner

Class photo of students with their class projects.

"I used my grant money to improve my cabaña and buy supplies to expand my catering business." Yajaira, Cabaña Restaurant Owner

Christian giving his final class presentation.

"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

Student David presents his class project.

"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

Maria speaks during class graduation.

"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

The Impact

Students Graduated

Community supported

Students Graduated

Twenty four students learned to successfully promote their businesses and products to increase their revenue.

Networks Fostered

Community supported

Students Graduated

The students in the San José community learned the value of collaboration and networking to create marketing material to benefit the entire region.

Community supported

Community supported

Community supported

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. 

Impact by the Numbers

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.


The Beginning, San José Welcomes CC Consulting.

Watch a brief history of the first 360° Business Academy class. 


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Spirit Of Wellness - All Rights Reserved. 


Spirit of Wellness is a 501(c)3 organization registered with the IRS; all donations are tax deductible. 

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