Since october 2023, this pilot program provided technical support to 17 workers who returned from the U.S. after working under the H-2 Visa Program, to strengthen their financial and administrative skills, with personalized advice on business development. As a result, each of them designed and implemented their own Business Plan for their enterprise, thus ensuring better opportunities for their families and communities.

Previously, USAID, the Foreign Ministry and CONAMYPE evaluated the initiatives with the best growth potential in order to offer technical assistance. Among the projects are design and construction of cat houses, production and marketing of honey, food sales, preparation of traditional sweets, event organization and transportation services.

The 17 entrepreneurs supported generate monthly sales of between US$250 and US$7,000. To achieve this, they invested between US$800 and US$3,700 to start their businesses. These good results are a testament to their hard work and commitment, as well as to the multiplier effect of this technical and financial support for the generation of opportunities in El Salvador.

“This program helped me understand the importance of formalizing my business, how to manage social networks and segment my clients. I learned how to diversify my market, previously I sold five kinds of candy, now I have more than 28 kinds of candy, I attract new customers and ensure my monthly sales level”, said Ana Maria Alvarado, one of the entrepreneurs.

The H-2 Visa Program promotes temporary work opportunities in an orderly and secure manner, so that thousands of salvadorans can enter the U.S. labor market and then return to their country.

To be part of the H-2 Visa Program, interested parties must fill out the form found at www.usaempleosv.org. Participants who meet the requirements are called to recruitment workshops with U.S. companies. This process is free of charge and no one may solicit money on behalf of organizations that are part of the Program. If candidates are exposed to fraud, they can report it to the following e-mail addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +503 7070-1243.

Translated by: A.M