The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), in alliance with the Government of Germany through KfW and the European Union, supported the initiative “ECOEMPRENDE: Promoting Sustainability in Local Businesses,” organized by the Fondo Solidario para la Familia Microempresaria (FOSOFAMILIA). As part of the event, three outstanding enterprises were awarded US$15,000 in seed capital, thus promoting the development of eco-friendly businesses in El Salvador.

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The ECOEMPRENDE program provided salvadoran entrepreneurs with tools and knowledge to integrate sustainable practices into their businesses. This training will enable them to reduce their environmental impact and improve their long-term profitability, strengthening the resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to today’s environmental challenges.
María Lucía Romero, first place winner with her project Recicladora Jeffren, thanked for the support received and emphasized that her lack of academic studies was not an impediment to her entrepreneurship. Her business will optimize the processing of recyclable materials by installing a plastic and paper compacting machine, automating the process, and reducing the environmental impact.

The event also served as a networking space, allowing participants to establish strategic contacts and foster collaboration among entrepreneurs. The key role of these businesses in building a more sustainable and prosperous future was highlighted, with a notable participation of women, who represented 67% of the entrepreneurs involved.
CABEI’s Green MSMEs II Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development in the Central American region. The alliance with FOSOFAMILIA represents a significant step in the consolidation of a more sustainable business ecosystem, promoting innovative and environmentally responsible solutions in the salvadoran entrepreneurial sector.