Reactivating the Peruvian Economy: Guerrero Emprendedor
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 health emergency, more than 1,000 microentrepreneurs have participated in Guerrero Emprendedor, a digital training program aimed at helping them overcome this “unprecedented crisis.” From April 19 to May 7, applications will be open for microentrepreneurs to join the program’s new online edition.
This initiative is led by IKIGAI Laboratorio Social, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), MeUno, and Perú Voluntario, with the support of strategic partners such as Interbank, Fundación Belcorp, Toulouse Lautrec, PROA, among others. Since August 2020, the program has also been supported by Tu Empresa, an initiative of the Ministry of Production, enabling it to reach entrepreneurs across more than 20 regions of the country.
In response to the challenges brought by the pandemic—especially for microentrepreneurs—Guerrero Emprendedor represents a coordinated effort involving the private sector, civil society, international cooperation, and government institutions.
“Guerrero Emprendedor not only helped me establish new management practices for my business, but also improve my social media strategy to adapt to this new way of working,” said Liz Garay, one of the program’s participants who learned about the opportunity through social media.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, Guerrero Emprendedor provided mentorship to entrepreneurs like Garay who, amid the COVID-19 crisis, found the strength to move forward. Through a five-week disruptive learning process, participants accessed modules designed to improve sales strategies and digitalization, strengthen financial literacy, and enhance business resilience. These lessons were delivered by experts from academic and private sector organizations and reinforced through business advisory sessions led by professional volunteers.
What sets this program apart is its strong professional volunteer component. However, the pandemic also posed challenges to its implementation. Considering connectivity gaps, the program strengthened digital volunteering through accessible and low-cost platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.
“Despite the distance, they gave their all, and their motivation was inspiring,” said Diana Quiroga, a volunteer who mentored two women entrepreneurs in Arequipa. “Volunteering allowed me to support two women fighting for their families and their dreams.”
The results of Guerrero Emprendedor across its four editions have been remarkable. Of all participants, 80% have been women, 92% have applied what they learned to their businesses, and 100% stated they would recommend the program. In addition, during 2020 alone, 620 volunteers participated, contributing more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service.
For more information, visit Perú Voluntario’s social media channels:
https://www.facebook.com/peruvol
https://www.instagram.com/peruvoluntario
Source: United Nations Development Programme