Adjusting to the Needs of El Sauce: Enlace Project's New Entrepreneurial Development Program

Enrique presenting to a group from Batidos Falkis.

After some study and reflection, Enlace Project's Microloan Program is undergoing some changes. Combining the microloans with Enlace Project's consulting work (Los Altos de Ocotal, Manuel Lopez Coffee Cooperative, Fuente de Pino, Sauce Aventuras), the program seeks to extend the services it provides to the businesses of El Sauce. Under the new name, the Small Business Development Program (SBD), its directors Enrique Corrales and Conrad Wright are hoping to work in-depth with a range of small businesses and cooperatives. We sat down with Enrique Corrales to ask a few questions about the changes.



Q: How did the Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) begin?
A: The program is an evolution of our microloan program. Enlace Project had already started the business consulting program with some cooperatives a few years ago, but now we have decided to join both the microloan and consulting programs in order to give more in-depth financing and training to cooperatives and small businesses in El Sauce.

The program's cycle.

Q: How has the program changed and adapted from its roots in the microloan program?A: The program has experienced some small changes. For example, participants will still be trained through our Financial Education and Business Planning course—as they were in the Microloan Program—but now participants will have a more comprehensive and personalized service. The classes will be where businesses are located with the objective of identifying all the needs that they may have and creating a plan to meet those needs.

Q: Who will the program work with?A: The program will work with small and micro businesses and cooperatives located in El Sauce. Entrepreneurs interested in the program must be open to learning and implementing new techniques, and they should be transparent and honest with the financial records of the enterprise or cooperative. An entrepreneur should be available to work to increase the business or cooperative, and must be willing to follow the program’s rules.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of the program?A: Our goal is to develop small and micro businesses and cooperatives so that they become profitable and sustainable by themselves.

Q: What are the advantages to working with a smaller number of businesses for more time?A: We will focus more on identifying needs, weaknesses, threats and tools they may need. We will give them a more personalized service, working where the businesses are located and we will have more available funds and resources to increase the program’s impact.

Conrad and Enrique talking business.

Q:When will the program begin?
A: June 2014

Q: How can supporters stay up to date with the program’s accomplishments?
A: Of course I think one of the most important resources we have to update all our sponsors is social media, through Enlace Project’s website and our microloan blog. We will be sharing information on the businesses, cooperatives, and individuals that we decide to work with, and keeping everyone up to date on the program’s progress. However, if anyone wants more specific information they can contact me through e mail (corrales.ulises5@gmail.com). We will be updating information as soon as we can.

For more information on the Entrepreneurial Development Program, see its profile on our website!

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern & Enrique Corrales, EDP director.

Volunteer Testimonials: Miranda Luft

Miranda Kingston is a graduating Senior at the Avon Central School District in the state of New York. After a series of fundraisers and promotional events, her group of students, parents, teachers, and community members, reached their goal of raising enough money to build a school in Nicaragua. Together, as Avon for Nicaragua, the group arrived in Nicaragua in February 2014 to spend a week working with the local masons on the school's construction. In reflecting, she wrote the following:

Miranda (third from left) with the other Avon for Nicaragua students.

"I will never forget the wondrous feeling of the plane landing in Managua; we actually did it. After 3 ½ years of tedious and strenuous work we were in Nicaragua and we were actually going to build the school. Together with 20 other individuals we were going to be building a school in the community of Buena Vista. 

The whole process started my freshman year in high school, and now as a graduating high school senior i have traveled to Nicaragua, met incredible people, experienced hands-on what its like living in a developing country, changed people’s lives, and most of all challenged myself. Getting to Nicaragua was a very difficult process at some points, but the work was well worth it ten times over because now I can officially say Avon for Nicaragua has completely funded and built a school by students for students.

Miranda, Luzvelia, Grace, and Kathy.

It was a privilege to have the opportunity to become part of the El Sauce community for the 12 days I was there. The people of El Sauce were very welcoming and demonstrated immense hospitality.  They welcomed us into their homes and into their lives. My host mother was Sonia Corrales and she was very gracious and welcoming. My host mother did not speak English and my roommates and I barely spoke any Spanish between the four of us, but that was not a problem. The people of El sauce were so friendly no matter where you were. At the end of our week, we were not saying goodbye to a host family, we were saying goodbye to our new family.

Enlace Project organized an exceptional week for us from start to finish. Juan & Sean were impressive guides throughout the trip and provided us with a very authentic experience.  The trip was very well-balanced between volunteerism, cultural experiences, and fun excursions. I look forward to returning to El Sauce sometime in the near future to repeat this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trip most unquestionably changed my life because I am not the same person I was when I left."