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Who we work withYou will not find any team that brings a greater level of passion nor higher degree of professionalism to everything that they do. New Development Solutions Group (NDSG) professionals have an acute understanding that success or failure of any venture will be determined by the level of attention to detail. Consequential development work has a profound impact on individuals and communities. That impact will be either negative or positive. It is rarely benign. Who better to trust to create a positive outcome than NDSG? Our proven success working on myriad projects with world-class organizations speaks for itself.
Universities Frankilin & Marshall College Univ. of Connecticut Univ. of Notre Dame DukeEngage The College of William & Mary Columbia University (CTICE) Miami University
Local Partners Soluciones Comunitarias Yachan Colegio Tecnico
NDSG works with development organizations throughout the world to provide consulting services. NDS Consulting has been contracted by organizations worldwide to address some of international development's most complex problems.
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Guatemala and Paraguay
(http://www.iadb.org/)
In 2009 and 2010, the Inter-American Development Bank contracted New Development Solutions Group, together with Tech4Development, to conduct surveys and analysis for the IDB project entitled "Opportunities for the Majority: supporting business in Guatemala and Paraguay."
- The Opportunities for the Majority Initiative promotes and finances market-based, sustainable business models that engage private sector companies, local governments and communities in the development and delivery of quality products and services for the majority of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of low-income communities.
- NDSG identified potential companies interested in developing, promoting and distributing products and services to low-income communties in Guatemala and Paraguay.
USAID, Guatemala
(http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid)
In 2003 and 2004 USAID, The United States Agency for International Development, contracted NDS Consulting to lead a number of projects. The scope of work performed by NDS Consulting included delivery of the following professional products and services:
- Design, organization and execution of Expo Ixil. This was the first ever economic forum of its kind to be held in Nebaj, Quiche. Guatemalan President Oscar Berger was in attendance as the keynote speaker.
- Creation of a small business guide distributed to rural small business entrepreneurs throughout Guatemala to help them improve their administrative and marketing skills
- Creation of a directory/database of businesses and development organizations in the Ixil Region to facilitate communication and efficient collaboration
- Design and construction of the web site www.laregionixil.com and its English version
www.ixilregion.com . These sites incorporate the directories/databases and have a business to business focus. The sites also include information and promotion about the area with the goal of attracting more tourism income.- Small business training in 15 rural internet centers where NDS worked with local small business people throughout the country, teaching them how to effectively use technology to create profitable business opportunities.
Soros Foundation, Guatemala
(http://www.soros.org)
In 2004 NDS Consulting was contracted to assist management structure and develop the overall business plan and hiring strategies for The Soros Foundation Rural Investment Fund in Guatemala. The Soros Foundation was in the process of starting a $4 million venture fund for small and medium sized business in rural Guatemala . This contract is another example of NDS Consulting's trusted and proven capabilities offering a broad spectrum of services and products to development organizations and entrepreneurs in the developing world. NDS Consulting offers a truly unique skill set that combines developed world skills and analytical strengths with successful on the ground experience.
Chemonics International, Guatemala
(http://www.chemonics.com)
In 2004 NDS Consulting completed a broad contact with Chemonics International/USAID designed to facilitate communication, increase efficiency and enhance marketing opportunities for businesses and organizations in the tourism, small business development and technology sector throughout rural Guatemala. By intelligently leveraging its own resources and by training and employing local, motivated people on a project basis, NDS Consulting was able to successfully accomplish the following in less than a two month period:
- www.visitchisec.com - NDS Consulting gathered the necessary information and designed this website to help promote tourism in this spectacular region in northern Alta Verpaz. From start to finish this website was completed in less than three weeks.
- Databases of hotels, restaurants, technology companies and development organizations working in small business development – NDS Consulting trained and sent a group of talented, young people from the Ixil region throughout the country to compile the most comprehensive databases in existence for these four categories. NDS compiled databases of over 700 hotels, 500 restaurants, 175 technology companies and 300 development organizations working in small business development.
- Best practices and implementation guides for rural internet centers - Based on our extensive experience working with rural internet centers, NDS Consulting wrote manuals covering such topics as administrative control, marketing and advertising, human resources, pricing and WIFI technology implementation.
The successful completion of this diverse group of deliverables in a very short period of time demonstrates NDS Consulting's varied skill set, superior project management capabilities and strength in training and creating high quality income generating opportunities for people in rural communities.
Vision Spring (Latin America)
(www.visionspring.org)
VisionSpring, a development organization dedicated to the creation of rural entrepreneurship opportunities for women through the sale of affordable reading glasses in developing countries, employed NDS Consulting as Director of Latin America and Head of Franchise Strategic Development from 2005 through 2008. VisionSpring has adopted the NDS Group designed MicroConsignment Model for their world-wide expansion.
Water For People, Guatemala
(http://www.waterforpeople.org)
NDS Consulting was contracted by Water for People in 2005 as Assistant Country Directors for Guatemala. NDS Consulting's primary responsibilities focused on administration, marketing and logistical support. As well, in November of 2005, NDS Consulting signed a contract with Water for People to conduct a pilot to create greater awareness about key health and hygiene issues in the rural Western Highlands of Guatemala and to create high impact, practical training methodologies. The goal of this pilot was to build the capability of Water for People and CE Solutions and select local men and woman and Peace Corps volunteers to execute appropriate outreach campaigns to teach and create awareness about health and hygiene issues ( water treatment and storage, fecal oral cycle, hand washing, latrine use etc) in their communities and nearby villages.
Fundacion Solar, Guatemala
(http://www.fundacionsolar.org.gt/)
In 2005 and 2006 NDS Consulting fulfilled a contract with Fundación Solar, a Guatemalan environmental NGO. Under the terms of the contract, NDS Consulting completed a website guide on Guatemala and the mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. Further aspects of the contract included a website and booklet for international investors on renewable energy investment opportunities in Guatemala.
Agexpront, Guatemala
(http://www.export.com.gt)
In 2004 NDS Consulting successfully completed a contract with Agexpront, a Guatemalan NGO funded by USAID, to provide consulting services for four hotels and two restaurants in the towns of Rabinal, Baja Verapaz and Chisec, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. The focus of the contract was to analyze current operations and competition and to create practical work plans, marketing strategies and investment plans in order to draw more tourism-based business. Both of these communities were amongst the most negatively impacted during the 36 year civil war. Agexpront contracted NDS Consultingafter having observed the success of the Nebaj tourism businesses (www.nebaj.com ).Church World Service (Guatemala)
(www.churchworldservice.org)
In 2006 NDS Consulting was contracted by Church World Service (CWS) to analyze an income generating initiative funded by CWS and implemented by partners working in Totonicapan, Guatemala. CWS sought to gain a better understanding of the business models, market strategies, planning process and implementation procedures being utilized in a greenhouse project being executed with indigenous populations. In addition, CWS hoped to use the knowledge gained and work product resulting from this contract in order to begin producing both feasibility study and business planning methodologies and templates to be used with similar village-based income generation projects in which CWS is involved.
The specific objectives of this contract are as follows -
- To analyze the income generating potential and self-sustainability of a greenhouse -based food production project in Totonicapan , Guatemala
- To investigate the potential keys and obstacles to success of stated project from a business planning and implementation perspective
- To investigate the methodology used for business decisions in stated project
- To design a basic feasibility study and business plan format with an eye towards creating templates which can be used for similar projects being funded by Church World Service worldwide
- To use the analysis, combined with previous experience, for the development of a training course module for related projects
Church World Service (West Africa)
In 2006 and 2007 NDS Group was contracted by Church World Service to work with local partners in Senegal and The Gambia. CWS is endeavoring to create greater income generating activities in a variety of ways in each country. In particular, in Senegal CWS was working with local micro finance organizations and contracted the NDS Group to evaluate the best practices and develop a guide for assessing the organizations on the whole and identify key partners with whom to move forward. In The Gambia CWS endeavored to expand its community vegetable garden initiative with local partners to get beyond food security and begin creating local income. The NDS Group worked with local partners to design and methodology and donor proposals to facilitate this effort.back to top>>>
Church World Service (Bosnia Herzegovina)
In 2006 NDS Group was contracted by Church World Service to work with its partners in Bosansko, Grahovo, Bosnia-Herzagovina to create income generation projects in this region which is still struggling to emerge from the recent civil conflict. This is part of a larger is part of a larger initiative, “Build a Village”, which seeks to improve the livelihoods of individuals in targeted rural communities with high concentration of returnees in a sustainable, holistic and participatory manner. The multi-year Income Generation program focuses on stimulating economic development, increasing income, attaining food security and creating employment in the municipality through various sustainable activities based on identified and prioritized local needs.
The objectives of the contract were as follows:
- To assess and analyze the situation in the municipality of Bosanko Grahovo using, but not limited to, review of existing program documentation, secondary data, needs assessment and field visits.
- Advise CWS staff and local partners on the best appropriate income generation activities and models.
- Assist in designing and developing multi-year Income Generation program, which will incorporate ideas and feedback collected by CWS project team in Bosansko Grahovo.
- Develop a “Master Proposal”, for use in fundraising activities.
- Design templates e.g., business plan, business assessment tools, and other relevant templates, which can be used by CWS and local partners to build local capacity to plan and run business activities.
- Assess local training needs
Church World Service (Serbia)
In 2007, NDS Consulting was contracted by evaluate and effort by CWS/Europe to support displaced families from Kosovo in Serbia since 2000 by providing vulnerable people with agricultural machinery, seeds and tools, with the primary goal of improving food security.
The multi-year green house project was a major element of the CWS food security program. In its initial phase, the fifty families directly benefiting from this project improved their food security by achieving higher levels of food production through the provision by CWS of family greenhouses, seeds and technical assistance. The program’s focus in Phase Two sought to make greenhouse-based food production profitable by providing appropriate business training, small tools and equipment to greenhouse owners. The goal was to ensure that beneficiaries will have enough food to feed themselves year around, as well as cash income by selling excess produce in local markets when prices are highest (e.g. winter and early spring). In phase three, the project intended to mobilize local resources through establishment of a cooperative to pool their resources for mutual self-help toward a better life. In particular, NDS Consulting was tasked with assessing the impact of the CWS/FRB food security program in order to determine its projection for the future. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of the CWS/FRB food security program, identify successes, constraints and gaps in the implementation.
NDS Consulting interviewed CWS staff at Belgrade Office; interviewed local implementing partners; interviewed displaced and host families; reviewed progress reports of CWS and local NGO, VOC and visited locations and households.OneRoof, Mexico
(http://oneroof.com/company/)
In 2007 NDS Consulting successfully completed a contract with OneRoof to conduct a feasibility study and pilot project in the state of the Yucatan, Mexico in order to ascertain the potential profitability of the VisionSpring reading glasses MicroConsignment initiative within OneRoof’s infrastructure.Fundacion Paraguaya (Paraguay)
(http://www.fundacionparaguaya.org.py/)
In 2007 and 2008 NDS Consulting successfully completed a contract with Fundacions Paraguaya to conduct a feasibility study and pilot project throughout strategic areas of Paraguay in order to ascertain the potential sustainability and impact of the VisionSpring reading glasses MicroConsignment initiative within Fundacion Paraguaya’s infrastructure.Cause for Hope (Nicaragua)
(http://www.causeforhope.org/cfh_esp/managua.htm)
In 2007 and 2008 NDS Consulting successfully completed a contract with Paraguay to conduct a feasibility study in Nicaragua in order to ascertain the potential sustainability and impact of the VisionSpring reading glasses MicroConsignment initiative within Cause for Hope’s infrastructure.Columbia University – Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement (CTICE), United States
(http://ctice.columbia.edu)
The goal of Columbia University CTICE's Green Economic Development Initiative is to launch growth-oriented educational, workforce development, and business solutions that are driven by the desired outcome of lowering the costs/decreasing the carbon footprint of businesses/institutions through the sale of renewable energy/environmentally sustainable (“green”) products and services. In January of 2009, NDS Consulting was contracted by Columbia University CTICE to strategically develop programs in the areas of workforce development, new job and venture creation, youth education, and specific community based learning class projects in Upper Manhattan.U-Specs (Guatemala)
(http://www.u-specs.org)
In 2008 was engaged by U-Specs and the ROS Foundation to assess the viability and design the structure for selling field adjustable myopic glasses to children. In an affordable and timely manner, ROS Foundation sought to gain a high degree of insight into U-Specs’ durability, functionality, acceptance and possible distribution strategies to understand how best to provide U-Specs as an eye care solution for children. This field test consisted of training Vision Entrepreneurs to distribute U-Specs with support from staff and eye care professionals. This included:
- Results and analysis from a product survey
- Analysis of commercial acceptance
- Analysis of commercial strategies (including case studies on Vision Entrepreneurs)
- Product Survey (PS)
Desired Outcome: A high level of insight into how U-Specs function in rural areas of the developing world after being dispensed by Vision Entrepreneurs supported by staff and eye care professionals.
NDSG partners with universities across the country to facilitate meaningful discussion of the field of social entrepreneurship and provide internship and volunteer experiences for college students while creating human and financial resources in the countries in which we operate.
Franklin & Marshall College: The Ware Institute for Civic Engagement
(http://www.fandm.edu/ware)
Social Entrepreneur Corps began working with the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement at Franklin & Marshall in 2009, when they sent seven students to our Ecuador summer program. This year Franklin & Marshall students will be participating in our Ecuador and Nicaragua summer programs. The Ware Institute builds relationships between community partners and Franklin & Marshall College, supports student-led service initiatives, and collaborates with faculty in community-based-learning coursework. The Institue is committed to developing socially responsible graduates.NDS Consulting has also been contracted by Franklin & Marshall to assess the feasibility of creating volunteer/internship programs for Franklin & Marshall College students (and potentially students from other colleges and universities) in Cape Town, South Africa. NDS Consulting has visited Cape Town to analyze the resources available for student programs and meet with organizations currently working in the area.
University of Connecticut: Study Abroad Programs
(http://www.studyabroad.uconn.edu)
Social Entrepreneur Corps began working as strategic partner with the University of Connecticut’s Study Abroad department in 2007. The University of Connecticut offers over 200 study abroad programs in 65 countries on six continents.University of Connecticut students can apply through the study abroad website here: (https://secure.sa.uconn.edu/sap/studioabroad/)
and receive up to 9 credit hours for the eight week summer program in Guatemala. There are a designated number of placements being held open for University of Connecticut students.University of Notre Dame: MicroVenturing Program, Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Mendoza College of Business
(http://business.nd.edu)
In 2007, Social Entrepreneur Corps began working with the University of Notre Dame’s Social/MicroVenturing program within the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Mendoza College of Business. The MicroVenturing program is pioneering practical approached to creating successful community based micro-ventures through classroom, workshop, and in-market exercises. The program utilizes a consortium of educators, prominent members of both the public and private sectors, and Notre Dame students in the role of small-business mentors. The mission of the course is to promote the creation of sustainable communities equipped with the tools to improve lives and reinforce their commitment to the betterment of society by equipping college students with adequate training to make lasting contributions to the creation or expansion of select small businesses. The course will concentrate on defining the role of social entrepreneurship in solving the larger problems of domestic and global poverty.
University of Notre Dame students interested in participating in Social Entrepreneur Corps are encouraged to visit the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies to learn more about the application process. There are a designated number of placements being held open for MicroVenturing class students in both the Guatemala and Ecuador programs.Duke University: DukeEngage, Duke Center for Civic Engagement (DCCE) (http://dukeengage.duke.edu)
Social Entrepreneur Corps was an inaugural strategic partner of Duke University’s new DukeEngage program through the Duke Center for Civic Engagement (DCCE) in 2008. DukeEngage provides full funding and faculty and administrative support to all undergraduates who want to stretch beyond the classroom by tackling societal issues at home and abroad, and, in turn, learning from those real-world experiences. Projects range from learning about African education challenges while helping a rural school to gaining insights into natural disasters while working with Gulf Coast flood victims. The program provides Duke students with opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations that address poverty, housing, education, AIDS or other social issues; with a financial institution to explore how investment affects life in third-world countries; or an art museum to increase outreach to low-income children, among other things. The Duke Endowment of Charlotte and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of Seattle are providing an endowment DukeEngage.
Duke University students interested in participating in Social Entrepreneur Corps are encouraged to visit the DukeEngage website here http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/engage/proposal.html
and/or visit the Duke Center for Civic Engagement to learn more about the application process. There are a designated number of placements being held open for Duke University students in the Guatemala eight week summer program.The College of William and Mary: Office of Student Volunteer Services
(www.wm.edu/offices/oces/?svr=web)
In 2009, Social Entrepreneur Corps began its inaugural year partnering with the College of William and Mary. The Office of Student Volunteer Services exists to promote a culture of service at the College, increase participation in public and community service, and develop service involvement as an educational experience. Students engaged in community service activities will:
- Understand and practice behaviors associated with social responsibility, including interest in community issues, the welfare of others, and concepts of fairness and justice
- Develop a personal and sustainable commitment to serving others
- Understand the function of citizenship in our society and develop a willingness and ability to engage in civic life in ways that build and strengthen communities
- Use reflective thinking processes to establish connections between in-class and out-of-class experiences and make meaning of academic and career pursuits
There are a designated number of placements being held open for William and Mary students in our Guatemala and Ecuador summer programs. William and Mary students interested in participating in our programs should contact Drew Stelljes, PhD, Director, Office of Student Volunteer Services at adstel@wm.edu.
Columbia University - Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement (CTICE)
(www.ctice.columbia.edu)
In 2007, Social Entrepreneur Corps began its first year as a strategic partner with the Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement (CTICE). Social Entrepreneur Corps has a strong history working with Columbia University and previously worked with the Career Center. Over 20 students for Columbia have participated in Social Entrepreneur Corps programs.
Established in 2006, (CTICE) focuses on creating authentic university-community partnerships, promoting community-based learning, and building community capacity. There are a set number of placements open to Columbia students. Columbia students can apply for financial assistance through CTICE upon application acceptance.Miami University - Center for Social Entrepreneurship
(www.fsb.muohio.edu/centers/social-entrepreneurship)
2009 marked the first year for Social Entrepreneur Corps as a strategic partner with the Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Miami University, the alma mater of one of the co-founders of Social Entrepreneur Corps. The primary objective of the Center is to develop a world-class program in social entrepreneurship at the undergraduate level. This comprehensive program begins with the introduction of the ideas of social entrepreneurship (SE), continues through rigorous coursework and culminates with hands-on learning opportunities. There are a set number of placements open to Miami students. Miami students can apply for financial assistance through the Center for Social Entrepreneurship upon application acceptance.
In each country in which we operate, our local partners are integral to successful completion of our work. They are our representation on the ground -- these organizations find and train entrepreneurs, handle inventory, and act both independently and as the country's arm of NDSG.
Soluciones Comunitarias (SolCom), Guatemala
(www.solucionescomunitarias.com)
NDSG leadership concluded several years ago that, while we play a critical role in incubating new ideas, training and growth, a separate, financially and administratively sustainable organization needed to be created to perpetuate the MicroConsignment Model over the long term. As such, leadership established Soluciones Comunitarias (SolCom), a Guatemalan company. CE Solutions and Social Entrepreneur Corps continue to be a source of capital, training and ideas but SolCom is owned and managed by the rural entrepreneurs who have “risen through the ranks” as leaders in the MicroConsignment enterprises. SolCom manages and grows the hub (regional coordinators) and spoke (entrepreneurs) system that has been highly effective in achieving social, economic, health and environmental impact to date through our MicroConsignment Model. To date we approximate that SolCom activities have generated over $1 million in direct economic benefit for rural Guatemalans.Yachana Colegio Técnico, Ecuador
(http://www.yachana.org.ec)
Yachana Colegio Técnico (Yachana Technical School) is an innovative educational system in the Ecuadorian Amazon. New Development Solutions Group will be partnering with Yachana Colegio Técnico to provide us with in-country support during our expansion. We will be supporting their educational system through our product sales and will be helping them with promotion of their products (water filters and solar lamps). Yachana will also be a partner in our Social Entrepreneur Corps Ashoka Fellows program.
Our field partners are also important to our success in each country in which we operate. Field partners are our microfranchises -- organizations that sell our products and, in certain cases, train their own entrepreneurs.
The Riecken Foundation, Guatemala
(www.riecken.org)
Soluciones Comunitarias has partnered with the Riecken Foundation as a 'socio comunitaria.' Riecken libraries provide access to SolCom products through kiosks in their community locations, and use the profits of product sales to maintain the library.The Riecken Foundation lays the framework for community-run lending libraries with open stacks of books and free Internet access. The success of the library network hinges on the active involvement of local committees and volunteers. Leadership training and community service are key components of the Riecken library model. Signature programs, including reading promotion, youth leadership workshops and Internet research instruction, are supplemented by services customized to meet local needs.
Cafesano began their collaboration with CE Solutions (through Soluciones Comunitarias) in spring 2009. Looking to expand product and service offerings Ms. Esmeralda, their sales director, welcomed the opportunity to locate a Soluciones Comunitarias product kiosk at their commercial center in Cobán to offer reading glasses, water purifiers, vegetable seeds and gardening techniques, and energy saving light bulbs as complements to their existing products.
Based in Cobán Alta Verapaz, Cafesano promotes the development of local communities through the commercialization and execution of projects for forest and farm services, agro-industries, health and education; as well as other services that demand the needs of the region of the Verapaces.
Asociación Flor del Naranjo, Guatemala
Trained by Community Enterprise Solutions staff in December of 2008, Flor del Naranajo expanded their health service and product offerings in January 2009 by joining our network of Socios Comunitarios (community partners). Flor del Naranjo now offers reading glasses, water purifiers vegetable seeds and gardening techniques, and energy saving light bulbs. Income from product sales supports local volunteer staff working with the association.
Asociación Flor del Naranjo’s central office in Rabinal, Baja Verapaz, serves as an operations base for programs including youth counseling and educational services and health services for Maya Achí women in rural communities of Rabinal. Established in 1989, Flor del Naranjo is a proven and trusted health and education service provider in the Rabinal municipality of Baja Verapaz and is active in over a dozen communities on an annual basis.
Following an initial visit by Social Entreprenuer Corps’ community consultants to CeCEP’s cultural museum in June of 2008, CeCEP received training in operating a Soluciones Comunitarias product kiosk and in August 2008 CeCEP promoted and held their first visual campaign offering reading glasses, water purifiers vegetable seeds and gardening techniques, and energy saving light bulbs. Income from product sales is used to supplement other revenues to pay electricity, phone and internet bills.
The Community Education Center Pokomchi (CeCEP) was established in 1993 in the city of San Cristobal, Alta Verapaz. Locally managed by a core group of individuals, CeCEP is dedicated to promoting the unique culture and language of the Maya indigenous ethnic group, Pokomchi. Motivated by the serious social and economic problems that affect this ethnic group, CeCEP initiated projects of productive activities, such as ethnotours, a Spanish school, and Pokomchi cultural museum.
Asociacion Desarrollo Sostenible Comunitario (ADESCO), Guatemala
Focusing on developing sustainable activities, ADESCO recognized the opportunity provided by Soluciones Comunitarias, and began training to become community entrepreneurs in July 2009. ADESCO holds multiple village campaigns every month and their center of operations serves as a point of sales for reading glasses, water purifiers vegetable seeds and gardening techniques, and energy saving light bulbs. Income from product sales is split between savings to invest in constructing an office and meeting space in their community and supporting members directly involved in promoting and holding village campaigns.
Asociacion Desarrollo Sostenible Comunitario (ADESCO) formed their association in February 2009 in the small rural community of Caserio Chijalal, about an hour bus ride from the nearest local urban center. ADESCO currently works with an international aid organization in extending agricultural supplies and trainings to local farmers within their community.
Horizontes Sin Limites, Guatemala
(http://www.limitlesshorizonsixil.org/)
Soluciones Communitarias partnered with Horizontes Sin Limites as a ‘socio comunitario’ in 2008. It provides access to the SolCom products at their locale, and the profits from product sales help continue to maintain their educational and community programs.Horizontes Sin Limites works with the Ixil Mayan community in Chajul in the Quiché region of Guatemala to expand opportunities for education and literacy. It offers various educational programs including a public library, career guidance and an artisan program, as well as tools to help build local infrastructure. Horizontes Sin Limites implemented a scholarship program for youth in 2006 with ten students. In 2010, Horizontes Sin Limites is serving seventy scholarship recipients.
back to top>>>Nuevo Alianza is a women's weaving cooperative founded in 1994 by a group of women working with natural dyes to create products such as bags, napkins, and more. The women work together to sell products to tourists who visit the co-op to learn about the weaving process. Today, 13 women make up the co-op. The women are all skilled in weaving local San Martin designs.
CE Solutions has partnered with Nueva Alianza through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help the women create a successful marketing strategy and introduce new products to the co-op's current offerings.
El Portal, Guatemala
(http://www.spanishschoolelportal.com/)
El Portal Spanish School was founded by two single mothers, offering travelers a fully immersive experience, including intensive Spanish classes with qualified teachers, a traditional homestay, volunteer opportunities, and memorable cultural excursions. The founders of El Portal made a commitment upon creating the Spanish school to donate all profits to scholarships. The scholarships support the education of local children of single mothers. The money covers school fees, the cost of books, and the expense of uniforms. The children are able to attend private schools, thus receiving a higher-quality education than they would at a public school. The children are required to adhere to high academic standards in all of their classes.CE Solutions has partnered with El Portal through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to create a comprehensive marketing strategy to help increase inscription into the school as well as create a system for a better control of finances.
Asociación de Mujeres Rio Isquizal, Guatemala
The Asociación de Mujeres Rio Isquizal forms women’s groups in local communities and provides training to give members the skills necessarily to manage their own businesses. When a group is ready, an investment is made to start a cooperative venture, usually a small shop, corn mill or livestock raising program. Seeking to be self-sustainable, income generated is used to repay the capital fronted by the association and to invest in other groups.
Through the Asesor Por Favor initiative, CE Solutions is taking the first steps with Asociación de Mujeres Rio Isquizal to visit new groups, learn about their needs and assess how we can use our resources and experience to help them achieve their goals.
Cooperative San Antonio Palopo, Guatemala
In 1979 a group of individuals in the Pueblo San Antonio Palopo, on Lake Atitlan near Panajachel, began selling guipiles, camisas (shirts), and similar products. The creation of the cooperative brought local employment opportunities to the people of the community. They no longer had to leave their homes to find work in neighboring regions or countries. To avoid problems of competition the cooperative began incorporating the trades of other members in the community. There are now 142 members of the cooperative, which exports its products all over the world, including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe.
CE Solutions has partnered with the cooperative through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help increase customers and sales at the cooperative's textiles store.
Lema' is a women's weaving association which uses only naturally plant dyes for its products. Lema' offers many handwoven products such as bags, tablecloths, and napkins. 30 women now work for the association, which has just begun to export products to the United States.
CE Solutions has partnered with LEMA' through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help them create and market a homestay program with the women in the association.
Asociación Maya de Desarollo, Guatemala
Asociación Maya de Desarollo’s mission is to help Mayan women who are orphans of the civil war by creating jobs for these women of the community, who need help and support for their families. In general, women weave but do not earn only a very small income when they sell their goods in local markets. This association employs rural women who weave products traditionally and, through the association, earn four times the money they receive in local markets.
CE Solutions has partnered with Asociación Maya de Desarollo through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help the women with needs analysis and business administration.
Huevos y Hortalizas Nutripac, Ecuador
HH NutriPac is a small farm that started as an organic agriculture project and has now turned into a fully organic farm that has won “Farm of the Year” honors in its province. The farm are interested in expanding their income generation activities.
CE Solutions has partnered with Huevos y Hortalizas Nutripac through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help develop a business plan, logo and promotional tools.
The La Era women’s group is a group of 15 aspiring women entrepreneurs. The group is interested in increasing its business knowledge so that the women may begin to augment their profits and avoid failure.
CE Solutions has partnered with La Era through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help educate the women in business development and accounting.
Mothers of Monterrey Women’s Group, Ecuador
Mothers of Monterry is a women’s group formed by the mothers of children from a local school. They are interested in starting an income generation activity in their area.
CE Solutions has partnered with Mothers of Monterrey through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to conduct feasibility studies for income generation activities.
Association of Agricultural Producers of San Jose La Capilla, Ecuador
The Association of Agricultural Producers of San Jose La Capilla is a group of farmers interested in converting to organic agriculture to increase revenue and decrease costs and impact on the environment.
CE Solutions has partnered with the association through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help reduce its dependence on the middle man, start an organic farm and to start new businesses to process their agricultural products.
Amazonas Cheese Factory, Ecuador
The Amazonas Cheese Factory is a now defunct dairy factory that once produced cheese, pasteurized milk, and yogurt and provided income for several community members.
CE Solutions has partnered with the cheese factory through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to create a comprehensive operations plan to restart the currently stagnant business.
Jungle Dave’s Eco-Tourism Agency, Ecuador
Jungle Dave's is a local eco-tourism agency that dedicates proceeds to local ecological conservation and to support the college education of young adults.
CE Solutions has partnered with Jungle Dave's through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to create a promotional plan and carrying capacity analysis.
Local businessman Carlin Marin is interested in building an eco-hostel to accommodate the influx of tourists that is expected in this region of Ecuador in the coming years.
CE Solutions has partnered with Ecohosteria through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to create a complete business plan for the startup of the eco-hostel.
Neo-Juventud Youth Organization, Ecuador
Neo-Juventud Youth Organization is a well respected youth group that has put into action many income generation activities with the help of Peace Corps and is now considering more activities and improving their existing projects.
CE Solutions has partnered with Neo-Juventud through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to provide overall business development training and a marketing strategy.
Artesanas de Palmar Women’s Artisans Group, Ecuador
Artesanas de Palmar is a women’s group which makes mostly clothing for the local community and wants to increase their efficiency.
CE Solutions has partnered with Artesanas de Palmar through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help with product promotion, organizational management and improving customer service.
Casa Maria Amor Battered Women’s Shelter, Ecuador
(http://www.pastoralsocialcuenca.org/index.php/proyectos/mariaamor/casa_maria_amor/)
Casa Maria Amor is a battered women’s group interested in starting income generation activities to finance project for their children.CE Solutions has partnered with Casa Maria Amor through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help create an income generation start up assessment and publicity for their current business.
Centro de Bordados Women’s Weaving Group, Ecuador
Centro de Bordados is a small group of women weavers that are looking to amplify their market.
CE Solutions has partnered with Centro de Bordados through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help increase sales volume.
Paraiso de Principal Natural Jam and Wine Producers, Ecuador
Paraiso de Principal is a small town jam and wine producing facility interested in increasing profits.
CE Solutions has partnered with Paraiso de Principal through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help increase profit margins and sales.
Artesanas de Principal Weaving Association, Ecuador
Artesanas de Principal is a group of women weavers that specializes in the “Panama Hat” style technique.
CE Solutions has partnered with Artesanas de Principal through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help with inventory management and product publicity.
Las Guacamayas Eco-Tourism Group, Ecuador
Las Guacamayas is a small ecotourism group interested in attracting more clientele to the region.
CE Solutions has partnered with Las Guacamayas through the Asesor Por Favor initiative to help create a business plan and to establish short and long-term goals.
