Winay- inclusive business space

The Winay project seeks to address critical challenges faced by entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities in Argentina, with a particular focus on technological deficiencies that hinder their professional and economic development. In Argentina, the unemployment rate reached 7% in the last quarter, with a more severe impact in low-income regions where limited access to formal employment opportunities exacerbates poverty and economic exclusion. In addition, studies indicate that more than 60% of small enterprises in these areas do not have access to adequate technological training, limiting their capacity for growth and sustainability.

Poor technology infrastructure in these communities not only restricts access to vital information and resources, but also significantly reduces the ability of entrepreneurs to integrate into broader value chains and more competitive markets. This technology deficit is reflected in the low level of digitisation of businesses: only 30% of ventures have access to basic digital tools, and less than 10% use some form of e-commerce or digital platforms to expand their markets.

The Winay project addresses the issue by creating a space to facilitate crucial training and mentoring for entrepreneurs from vulnerable sectors, as well as enabling business connections and access to financing. The focus is on strengthening personal and professional skills, promoting economic sustainability, and fostering inclusion in broader value chains, thus facilitating greater stability and economic growth. Winay proposes an integrated approach that utilizes e-learning technology to overcome these barriers. As part of the "Winay - Inclusive Business Space" project, we will collaborate with Nahual, a social project that provides free training to the most vulnerable sectors of society, to create a shared digital platform. This platform will be designed to integrate and enhance the strengthening process of each entrepreneur, aiming to provide a centralized, accessible, and traceable educational resource that will directly benefit entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities. A distinctive aspect of the platform is the generation of a community that connects entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, creating a supportive and collaborative ecosystem. Additionally, it will enable full process traceability, allowing for the measurement of capital raising and sales actions. This will allow users to monitor their financial and commercial progress accurately, offering customizable dashboards and detailed analysis that facilitate informed decision-making. Furthermore, Winay prioritizes linking with companies and corporations, bridging small businesses with large economic actors interested in inclusive business. This will be achieved through a matchmaking module that identifies collaboration and hiring opportunities, promoting the integration of entrepreneurs into broader and sustainable value chains.

This platform will not only facilitate the effective and efficient delivery of business and technical training but also foster a robust and collaborative learning community among entrepreneurs. It is expected that the integration of advanced educational resources and the possibility of constant interaction will catalyze the development of sustainable and innovative businesses, with a significant impact on local economies and the business landscape of the region.

The "Winay - Inclusive Business Space" project is designed to directly impact the lives of entrepreneurs, cooperatives and productive organizations. The main focus is that entrepreneurs can develop secure sources of income from the scaling of their business units, thus allowing them to escape poverty and consequently strengthen their personal and professional growth as entrepreneurs. This target population includes, but is not limited to, people living in poverty, women seeking to become independent after suffering gender violence, and immigrants displaced from the formal labor system.

The direct beneficiaries face high levels of poverty and social exclusion. They are significantly affected by the lack of stable employment and access to economic resources. They include both new entrepreneurs and those who already have businesses up and running but need support to survive and grow. Most of these businesses operate informally, without access to traditional financing and without the necessary skills to develop and compete in the market.

In this way, the project addresses these needs by offering training, workshops and mentoring in key areas such as financial management, leadership, innovation and sustainability. This is designed to improve the personal and professional skills of entrepreneurs. Additionally, through a social impact fund, Winay facilitates access to “patient” financing, which prioritizes social and environmental impacts over economic returns. This will help entrepreneurs invest in their businesses without the pressure of immediate repayments. Moreover, by establishing a network of companies, NGOs, and government actors, Winay will help integrate these entrepreneurs into broader value chains, opening new market opportunities.

The Winay and Nahual teams are exceptionally qualified to design and deliver solutions that address the needs of the communities they serve. Both teams share a deep commitment to sustainable socioeconomic development and inclusion, rooted in the local realities of the populations they serve.

On one hand, the Winay team is not only qualified by their experience and skills, but, more importantly, by their genuine commitment to the community and their ability to integrate the voices of those we serve at every step of the process. Our foundation's goal is to help transform socioeconomic reality by promoting impact entrepreneurship and social innovation, understanding that economic development cannot be detached from social and environmental sustainability. One of the strengths of our model is the active participation of the community in the decision-making process through a Winay interactive table. This group includes representatives from local and provincial governments, educational institutions such as the Catholic University of Cordoba, non-profit organizations such as Caritas and the Jesuit Migrant Service, as well as business leaders and, most importantly, the entrepreneurs themselves who are beneficiaries of our programs. Entrepreneurs not only have a voice and vote in decisions directly affecting their trajectories and businesses, but also contribute their vision and unique experience to ensure that the solutions we propose are practical, sustainable, and aligned with their real needs. This participatory model ensures that our interventions are rooted in local reality and tailored to the specific circumstances of the beneficiaries.

On the other hand, the Nahual team is distinguished by its dedication and passion for education and empowerment through technology. Although the team is voluntary, they are deeply committed to the success of the students and the continuity of the project. The fact that 10% of people who graduate from our courses decide to become collaborators demonstrates the positive impact being generated in the community and the commitment to the long-term growth and sustainability of the project.

In summary, the team is highly qualified and well positioned to design and deliver meaningful solutions to the communities we serve. Our proximity to these communities, our experience in the field of impact entrepreneurship and social innovation, and our dedication to community participation enable us to develop effective and sustainable interventions that generate lasting positive impact.

The Winay project has developed and tested an integrated model for supporting entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities, focusing on training, non-bank financing, and the creation of business and support networks.  The goal is to improve the survival rate of social economy projects by providing opportunities for links, training, support, empowerment, and resource access for entrepreneurs in their enterprises, cooperatives, and productive units.

First edition Winay (2021-2022): has worked with 100 productive enterprises and organizations, providing them with weekly training in business skills, presentation and social networks, mainly, creating a community and spaces to sell their products. Ten of them received personalized support, and two of these ten became cooperatives, managing to sell their products directly to companies such as Coca-Cola, Quilmes and Hipermercados Libertad.

Second edition Winay (2022-2023): In its latest edition (2022-2023), Winay conducted 47 high-impact training sessions, with 10 in-person and the remainder virtual. Emphasizing digital inclusion, the program provided computers and specific training in IT tools. The total training duration was 90 hours, benefiting nearly 100 ventures. Ten of these received personalized support, including coaching, mentoring, and specialized training. Beyond training, the support involved tailored advice and continuous follow-up, addressing the specific needs of each project.

Third edition Winay (2023-2024): In its third edition, the primary objective of the program is to generate authentic job opportunities. To accomplish this, the focus is on organizations with financial stability that have been operating for over a year and express the intent to grow. The initiative believes that creating an impact, particularly in underprivileged neighborhoods, is accomplished through empowerment and the creation of employment opportunities. Currently in the recruitment stage, the program has received 25 applications and is scheduled to commence in April.

Primarily, limited access to adequate financing remains a critical obstacle to the project. We need more innovative financing structures adapted to the needs of entrepreneurs in vulnerable contexts. We hope Solve will help us connect with investors and donors interested in supporting business models with social and economic impact, as well as access grants and funds that support our mission.

Additionally, although we have implemented training and technical support, the lack of access to advanced technology and digital tools continues to be a limitation for our entrepreneurs. We seek support from Solve to improve our technological infrastructure and obtain technical advice that allows our beneficiaries to take advantage of the digital economy.

Finally, our entrepreneurs often struggle to access larger markets or integrate into broader value chains. We look forward to Solve giving us access to its global network of companies and market experts who can open up new opportunities for our entrepreneurs, allowing them to expand their reach internationally and improve their business models.

Foundation GEN E, which will lead the present project, is closely linked with organizations within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Córdoba. In this way, we collaborate and complement initiatives for pre-incubation, incubation, and support for entrepreneurs, aiming to unify objectives and minimize resource overlap. Winay stands out for offering assistance services to entrepreneurs from vulnerable sectors. While there are entrepreneur support programs provided by the state and other organizations that they can be part of, the design of these programs does not holistically address all dimensions of social economy entrepreneurs, who are exposed to a series of difficulties and vulnerabilities that affect the professional development of both themselves and their business units. Winay is certainly designed to address the entrepreneur as a whole, as neglecting the context and socio-economic reality prevents real strengthening of businesses to become sources of secure and sustainable income. At this point, the Winay program finds its characteristic differentiator. It aims to assist entrepreneurs in situations of vulnerability, understanding vulnerability in its broadest sense.

Our solution approaches the problem in a significantly improved way by creating a space that combines crucial training, mentoring, business connections, and access to financing, Winay addresses multiple barriers to success in a single platform. This holistic approach is a departure from traditional methods that often focus on singular aspects of entrepreneurship support.

Furthermore, Winay leverages e-learning technology to provide scalable and accessible resources to entrepreneurs, overcoming geographical and logistical barriers to participation. This utilization of technology not only expands the reach of the program but also enhances the quality and consistency of the training and mentorship provided.

The collaboration with Nahual adds another layer of innovation by tapping into existing networks and resources within vulnerable communities. By integrating Nahual's expertise and reach into the digital platform, Winay maximizes its impact and ensures that its resources are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the target population.

The platform's emphasis on community-building is also a novel aspect, as it creates a supportive ecosystem where entrepreneurs can learn from each other, access mentorship, and attract potential investors. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and resilience among entrepreneurs, leading to the emergence of sustainable and impactful businesses.

In terms of broader positive impacts, Winay has the potential to catalyze similar initiatives in other regions or sectors facing similar challenges. Its integrated approach and use of technology serve as a model for effective entrepreneurship support programs, inspiring replication and adaptation by other organizations and stakeholders.

After the implementation of the project, the entrepreneurs from vulnerable sectors will be able to turn their business units into secure sources of income, and will have developed professional and technological skills to overcome the obstacles in their context and improve their quality of life. Certainly, they will have increased their sales and strategic linkages that allow them to scale their business units which will become a source of income and employment in traditionally marginalized communities. At the same time, the change will not stop there, but will multiply, as they will be voices that guide the actions of many people around them. Inclusive value chains will begin to take hold and generate a replication effect, making others incorporate social impact into their lines of action.

Outcomes:

1. In the period of one edition of winay (10 months), it is expected to achieve:

2. At least 100 new enterprises surveyed. 

3. At least 20 new enterprises, productive and social economy organisations have been professionally and technologically strengthened with professionalised enterprises and applying what they have learnt in their day-to-day work.

4. 100% of the accompanied entrepreneurs have strengthened talents, leadership skills and developed new key competences. 

5. At least 70% of the accompanied enterprises increased their sales by 40% at the end of the implementation period.

6. At least 70% of the accompanied enterprises continue to operate at the end of the implementation period. 

7. The accompanied entrepreneurs (20) have access to computer equipment and digital inclusion tools to facilitate the management of the enterprises.

8. At least 30 trainings given to entrepreneurs on personal development, professional development, business model development and technological skills.

9. At least 200 hours of personalised advisory services (mentoring, coaching, other professional advice) provided to entrepreneurs.

10. Business directory with at least 10 start-ups based in Cordoba or Buenos Aires willing to make purposeful purchases from suppliers from vulnerable sectors.

11. 70% of the accompanied enterprises commercially linked to companies.

12. At least 10 events, activities and instances of meeting and exchange between entrepreneurs and companies mediated by the GEN E Foundation, Fair Trade and Juntos.

Indicators:

1. No. of ventures surveyed on Winay basis - Survey instrument (response form).

2. Number of enterprises showing improvement in key areas of personal and spiritual development and professional development surveyed - Measurement and evaluation (M&E) system of the programme. 

3. Percentage of accompanied enterprises that have made commercial agreements (formal and informal) with surveyed companies - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme. 

4. Rate of personal empowerment of the accompanied entrepreneurs - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme. 

5. Sales of accompanied enterprises - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme.   

6. Survival rate of the accompanied enterprises - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme.   

7. 10 pieces of IT equipment (computers) made available to the entrepreneurs supported - Documentation of loan contracts or similar.

8. Number of events, activities and instances of meetings and exchanges - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme.   

9. Number of training courses given to entrepreneurs - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme.   

10. Record of hours of advisory services to entrepreneurs - Measurement and evaluation system (M&E) of the programme.

11. Database of viable funds mapped and register of applications submitted.

12. Agreements concluded with companies or funds received from companies.

13. Agreements, letters of intent, MOUs or equivalent documents signed with new partners 

14. Number of enterprises surveyed in the Directory of Enterprises Buying with Purpose

15. Percentage of supervised enterprises that have made commercial agreements (formal and informal) with the companies surveyed - Measurement and evaluation (M&E) system of the programme. 

16. Photographic record and minutes of activities and meetings between entrepreneurs and companies mediated by Fundación GEN E, Comercio Justo and Juntos.

The core technology that powers the "Winay - Espacio de Negocios Inclusivos" project combines modern digital tools with community-based approaches to empower entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities. The solution utilizes an e-learning platform that integrates business skills training with technical IT training. This platform is designed to be inclusive and accessible, enabling entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of technological proficiency to engage effectively. 

The digital platform will incorporate online courses covering a range of topics, from basic management and leadership skills to advanced technical training in areas such as cybersecurity, software development, digital literacy, and AI prompting. It will be equipped with interactive communication and collaboration tools such as discussion forums, chats, and video conferences, facilitating continuous interaction among participants and with mentors.

To ensure accessibility, the platform will be designed with an inclusive approach, ensuring that it is easy to use for people with diverse levels of technological skills and accessible on multiple devices, including mobile phones. This is crucial for reaching entrepreneurs in remote areas or with limited access to traditional technology.

In pursuit of achieving increasingly lower levels of digital divide, the facilitation of technological tools has been developed within the framework of a "connectivity points" promotion strategy, working alongside strategic allies from the public sector, universities, and private actors. These points aim to create spaces where people have access to computers, internet, and technical support to be able to access the platform or take classes virtually. These Connectivity Points have been carefully selected considering geographical factors of the city, with the goal of reaching all neighborhoods and most vulnerable sectors. Additionally, technological tools such as cell phones, computers, and other devices will be provided through public/private financing and with partners that recover technology (Caecuslab), aiming for a solution that is not only inclusive and innovative but also has environmental and economic impact.

Furthermore, we will include matchmaking within the virtual platform. The matchmaking aims for companies and entrepreneurs to create detailed profiles describing their activities, products and services, areas of interest, needs, and business goals. Through matchmaking, intelligent algorithms will analyze the profiles of companies and entrepreneurs to identify possible matches and suggest relevant connections. The goal is to allow Winay entrepreneurs to conduct advanced searches within the platform using specific filters to find potential partners that meet their criteria and requirements. From the perspective of companies and organizations, matchmaking could be used to identify potential suppliers rooted in the popular economy, thus creating a kind of job market for entrepreneurs and a social and economic impact from companies.

Additionally, opportunities for networking will be created within the platform through conferences or trade fairs where companies and entrepreneurs can interact in real-time, participate in panel discussions, and establish contacts. To achieve efficient results, tracking and analytics mechanisms will be established to track the progress of collaborations between companies and entrepreneurs, as well as to collect feedback and testimonials about the experience. This will help improve the effectiveness of the platform and ensure user satisfaction.

The team responsible for implementing the solution consists of a total of 10 members. Among them, five work full-time, two work part-time, and three are external advisors.

• Winay Project: Winay has been operational for 3 years, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities through business training and support.

• Nahual Project: Nahual has been active since 2006, providing IT training to underprivileged sectors of society.

• Platform Solution: The collaboration on the e-learning platform between Winay and Nahual began this year. The solution is currently in the pilot/testing phase to integrate business skills training from Winay with technical IT training from Nahual.

At Fundación Gen E, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and throughout our operations. We recognize that diversity brings strength, innovation, and resilience to our organization, and we actively strive to ensure that our team reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

We actively recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds, including different genders, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and abilities. Our recruitment process is designed to minimize biases and barriers to opportunity, ensuring that all qualified candidates have equal access to positions within our organization.  By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we aim to create a workplace where all 

individuals are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

In addition to fostering diversity within our team, it 's important to highlight that the beneficiaries of Fundación Gen E's programs also come from vulnerable communities. We recognize the importance of serving marginalized populations and strive to ensure that our programs are accessible and inclusive to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other factors. By actively engaging with and supporting communities facing systemic barriers, we not only amplify the impact of our work but also contribute to greater equity and social justice. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond our internal operations to the communities we serve, reflecting our belief in the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals.

Fundación Gen E focuses on fostering impact-driven businesses and socio-environmental innovation projects from Córdoba, Argentina, for all of Latin America, promoting the transition to inclusive and sustainable production and consumption models. Traditionally focused on non-financial support for impact businesses, it is now undergoing a transition process that involves enhancing a three-unit model that incorporates offering services to corporate clients and mobilizing resources for the strengthening of positive socio-environmental impact projects.

Fundación Gen E has a business model divided into three units according to our sustainability strategy: GEN E ACADEMY, GEN E CORPORATE, and GEN E VENTURES. The details follow:

• GEN E ACADEMY: This unit is dedicated to strengthening enterprises with a focus on social and environmental impact. They offer two complementary programs: "Impact Business Incubation" and "Winay - Inclusive Business Space." In addition to these programs, Fundación Gen E provides personalized consulting and assistance in financing.

• GEN E CORPORATE: This business unit provides consultancy to companies, governmental institutions, and organizations interested in incorporating practices focused on social and environmental impact into their projects and business models. Its goal is to promote sustainability, recognizing that corporate responsibility goes beyond profitability and advocates for the coexistence and enhancement of profitability and sustainability.

• GEN E VENTURES: aims to be more than a management unit for impact funds; its goal is clear: to facilitate access to investment financing (equity) for impact tech ventures and businesses dedicated to creating jobs in vulnerable sectors.

What makes Gen E Ventures exceptional is its synergistic integration with GEN E ACADEMY and GEN E CORPORATE. Together, we reduce costs, mitigate risks, and maximize impact. Ventures that choose Gen E Ventures not only obtain financing but are also integrated into the Gen E Academy. Here, a valuable opportunity opens up for access to educational resources and mentorships that complement and multiply the impact of their projects.

Fundación Gen E sustains the financial viability of the Winay inclusive business space through a strategic approach that combines nurturing a supportive network, pursuing grants, and engaging in corporate partnerships. Our financial strategy is designed to secure immediate resources and ensure long-term sustainability.

We actively cultivate and expand a network of allies, including corporations, NGOs, and academic institutions. These partners support us through financial contributions and in-kind services, such as volunteer efforts and professional guidance. Collaborations with companies like Libertad and Gamba Media integrate our entrepreneurs into broader supply chains, providing both financial and operational benefits. Partnerships with entities such as Nahual, Fundación Universitaria de Oficios (FUO), and others deliver critical resources and expertise, boosting our support capabilities. Relationships with academic and social institutions enhance our community engagement and ensure a wide-reaching impact.

Further, our dedicated team consistently seeks and secures grants from both national and international bodies. This proactive grant-seeking strategy supports our core operations and specific projects.

Successful Funding Examples:

• Jesuiten Weltweit: Received two grants totaling $66,626, supporting ongoing initiatives.

• Agora Partnerships: Secured $8,475 for developmental projects.

• Government of Córdoba: Gained $20,876 from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology, backing specific social impact ventures.

These grants are instrumental in maintaining our operations and extending our reach to more entrepreneurs.