On May 29, MBA Acelera held a very special event in Antigua Guatemala that brought together more than 80 actors from the business, academic, and social ecosystem to reflect, share, and build together new ways to drive economic development with social impact. The event was organized by Fundación del Valle, ACTEC, and Linares Abogados, and was funded by AECID with the participation of FUNDAP.
A Day to Think, Feel, and Act
The event began with welcoming remarks from the organizers and a presentation by Katya Moreira from CENPROMYPE, who shared an in-depth analysis of the current state of the micro-enterprise ecosystem in the SICA region. She highlighted that, despite MSMEs representing 99% of the regional business landscape, their access to exports, financing, or digital transformation remains very limited. With a strategic perspective, she emphasized the importance of strengthening business development services, generating useful information for decision-making, and building public policies with a regional vision.
Next, the disruptive model of MBA Acelera and the Business Schools for micro-enterprises was presented, with contributions from its founding and technical team:
- Daniel Turiel, founder of the program, explained the model’s purpose: to focus not on the entrepreneur’s limitations, but on their potential, offering robust, practical, and deeply human training.
- Belén Valenzuela, director, shared MBA Acelera’s evolution since 2010 and its expansion through an international network of partners. With more than 17,000 entrepreneurs trained, she emphasized that the program has demonstrated that it is possible to transform businesses and communities from the local level.
- Susana Ramela, research leader, spoke about the transformation each participant experiences: a shift in perspective that impacts not only sales or employment, but the way they experience leadership.
- Luis Felipe Cano, head of measurement and impact, shared how results are evaluated: 60% of entrepreneurs double their sales in the first year, and indicators show consistent improvements in formal employment, organizational growth, and business vision.
- Miguel Linares, from Linares Abogados, delivered a presentation on circular economy as a driver of competitiveness for micro-enterprises, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can—and must—go hand in hand.
Guatemala: A Story of Transformation in Progress
After lunch, the audience learned firsthand how the model is being implemented in the country, with a presentation by Eunice Martínez, manager of the Education Program at FUNDAP. Through data and stories, she shared MBA Acelera’s journey in Guatemala and its adaptation within the Business School promoted by the foundation.
She showed how this approach has enabled hundreds of entrepreneurs to improve their financial structure, formalize their businesses, generate decent work, and improve their families’ living conditions. “Beyond the numbers, there are lives being transformed,” she stated. An assertion backed by tangible results and, above all, by the testimonials that would follow.
From Entrepreneurs to Business Owners: A Shift in Vision
One of the most inspiring moments of the event was the panel discussion with three entrepreneurs who graduated from the program: Blanca Díaz (Chocolate El Quetzalteco), Ana González (Caffeine Coffee Bar), and Manuel Ochoa (Naturaguas). With closeness, humor, and great honesty, they shared how MBA Acelera transformed not only their businesses, but their way of seeing themselves: from informal entrepreneurs to business owners with vision, structure, and purpose.
They shared practical lessons, personal anecdotes, and the real impact on their teams and communities. From financial management to sustainability, to personal leadership, each one demonstrated that when you believe in local talent, results come… and exceed expectations.
A Fair to Connect, Celebrate, and Keep Growing
The event concluded with a business fair and networking space where entrepreneurs who graduated from MBA Acelera and other programs at FUNDAP’s Business School were able to present their products, share their stories, and connect with institutions, partners, and other attendees. It was a vibrant closing, full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm for what is to come.
A Shared Vision That Continues to Grow
This gathering is part of a regional strategy that has already taken place in El Salvador and will continue in the coming months in Madrid and Bogotá. MBA Acelera’s commitment is clear: to promote real partnerships among international cooperation, academia, the private sector, and local organizations to build ecosystems where purpose-driven entrepreneurship is an effective pathway to economic and social development.
