In the neighborhoods of Medellín, where creativity and effort become engines of change, inspiring stories of entrepreneurship emerge. However, the entrepreneurs living in these districts face multiple challenges, such as a lack of business training, unequal market competition, difficulties in accessing financing, and economic instability. Thanks to the project ACTIVA MSME: Increasing the socioeconomic resilience of people affected by the armed conflict, especially women, in vulnerable areas of Medellín, supported by the Madrid City Council, hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business owners are successfully strengthening their businesses and improving their living conditions.
A project with impact
The ACTIVA MSME project is an international cooperation initiative designed by Fundación del Valle together with its local partner Interactuar and co-financed by the Madrid City Council, to strengthen the capacities of entrepreneurs and small business owners in 5 districts of Medellín. Its purpose is to promote the formalization and growth of small businesses, improving their competitiveness and long-term sustainability, especially by supporting those in a situation of vulnerability. To achieve this, a differentiated offer is provided according to the needs of the participants, including three programs and a transversal component:
- Business Orientation and Initiation for entrepreneurs in the early stages who need to improve their basic business management.
- Alístate, aimed at those who need to stabilize their business and make it profitable.
- Urban MBA, a business acceleration program to enhance business models and generate jobs.
- Value Connections, a transversal axis that connects the supported companies with customers and suppliers through trade fairs and festivals.
Through these programs, spaces for training, consultancy, commercial networks, and technical assistance have been created, allowing participants to acquire key tools to improve their business management and increase their market opportunities. Furthermore, the application of environmental best practices, the strengthening of healthy environments for women, and formalization are promoted. Coordination and links with social and economic agents in the city of Medellín are also encouraged, generating value connections that increase the marketing and relationship systems of entrepreneurs through commercial training workshops, business rounds, networking, business fairs, etc. Alongside this, advocacy actions are being carried out regarding public policies for strengthening micro-enterprises, based on the dissemination of the reality and context of small business owners at risk of exclusion.
Today, after one year of project implementation, we want to highlight two cases that reflect the impact of these programs, the perseverance, and the desire to contribute to the community: Mónica María Quinchia, creator of Lalynde Shoes, and Yohana Ocampo, founder of Sr. Pastelero. Both have participated in the Urban MBA, which has allowed them to strengthen their skills and transform their business models.
Lalynde Shoes: Footwear with history and social commitment
Mónica María Quinchia began her journey in the world of footwear from her own home, located in a humble neighborhood in Medellín. Her passion and dedication led her to found Lalynde Shoes, a brand distinguished by manufacturing 100% handmade shoes, with exceptional quality and an admirable purpose.
Beyond her commercial success, Mónica has decided that her workshop should be a space of opportunity. Currently, she employs nine people, all over the age of 62, who found in Lalynde Shoes a second chance to remain professionally active. In a world where employment is often denied to older adults, Mónica has demonstrated that experience and commitment have no age. Her footwear, now present in shops and shopping centers, has become a symbol of effort, inclusion, and quality. You can learn more about her entrepreneurship on Instagram: @calzadolalindecol.
Sr. Pastelero: The sweet reward of effort
For her part, Yohana Ocampo has shown that perseverance is the key to success. Her venture, Sr. Pastelero, was born from a love for baking and the desire to share sweet moments with her neighbors and customers. Thanks to the support received through the project and the training obtained in the Urban MBA, Yohana has managed to expand her business, opening a specialized kitchen for the preparation of empanadas, in addition to offering catering services.
The path has not been easy, but her determination has made her venture grow day by day, together with her husband John—who inspired the name of her company—hiring more employees and dreaming that her pastries, with 14 sweet and savory flavors, can reach every corner of Medellín. Her story reminds us that with effort and passion, it is possible to build a better future. You can follow her journey on Instagram: @srpastelero.
Supporting the creation of decent work and inclusive growth
The stories of Mónica and Yohana invite us to reflect on our own aspirations and the path we are willing to take to achieve them, such as the support of international cooperation. They are living examples that entrepreneurship is not only about generating income, but about transforming lives and creating an impact in the community.
After the first year of implementation, the impact of the ACTIVA MSME project is significant. Some of the main achievements include:
- More than 500 entrepreneurs and small business owners benefited, with a notable participation of women and young people.
- 72% increase in the formalization of jobs, allowing participants to create better working conditions.
- 67% growth in sales and the generation of 85 new jobs, contributing to local economic development.
- Consolidation of business and commercial networks, with nearly 2,000 attendees at fairs and festivals, facilitating the integration of entrepreneurs into value chains.
These results demonstrate that it is possible, through international solidarity, to generate wealth in vulnerable contexts with inclusion, by supporting and training determined individuals who manage to turn an idea into a sustainable and successful business. Today we celebrate these entrepreneurs and all those who work every day for their dreams. Because when effort and passion are combined, success is only a matter of time.
