Charity Works: Apoyo A Gente Emprendedora, Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty Through Entrepreneurship

By Danita Brisson

The Oxford Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.” In the early 20th century, the  characteristic of “a go-getter” was added.

Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora has been nurturing Sanmiguelense go-getters for two decades. The nonprofit’s website declares their commitment to, “helping Mexicans bootstrap themselves out of poverty to become financially independent for life.” They work with adults in our low-income neighborhoods and rural communities either to start or to expand their own businesses.

Says Ezequiel Mojica, Founder and Executive Director, “Participants must have a strong desire to succeed and to break the cycle of poverty in their families by building a business themselves. That’s the first filter.” Their original mandate was to provide interest-free micro loans to those who lacked access to banks and financing. After five years, they recognized that entrepreneurs needed more than just startup capital to succeed. They need mentoring. Consequently, an educational division was added to provide free business management and human rights training.

Since Apoyo’s inception, more than 650 small businesses have received interest-free loans, and over 3,500 individuals have taken training programs. Last year, 92 folks participated in the two divisions, and over $317,000 mxn was distributed among 51 small enterprises. Thousands of Sanmiguelenses pursuing financial security through entrepreneurship, that’s impressive.

Loans and training are available to all adults, however Ezequiel notes that 90% of applicants are women. Trades courses involve more hands-on learning than academic studies and are shorter in duration, making them attractive to women with family responsibilities. The Mamás Program improves family well-being in seven villages by educating women, empowering them and their children, and providing tools and strategies to confront societal inequality. The workshops for women and teens cover topics not offered in the community or schools, including health, nutrition, the environment, and income-producing activities. One tangible result of this grassroots initiative is the Family Garden Project. It enables women to grow healthy food in, and for, their communities. Such successes have fueled exponential growth. Currently three times as many participants are enrolled as were registered in all of 2024, necessitating the acquisition of a Vocational Training and Community Resource Center just off Stirling Dickenson. Here, technical and soft skills training, basic English, and work placement assistance are provided. Ezequiel admits that, while the progress is positive, it presents serious challenges. In one year, the annual budget ballooned from about $2 million mxn to $3 million mxn. “We have the opportunity to serve more entrepreneurs but we must manage our growth to be sustainable. We don’t want (the Center) to become a white elephant,” he explains.

In response, the five staff members have added new trades classes. Training in advanced home health care, graphic design for entrepreneurs, mechanics, plumbing and electrical will be augmented this fall with courses in salesmanship, customer service, and technology. Apoyo is pursuing additional bilingual teachers, Board Advisors and Directors with successful entrepreneurial experience. As well, they are introducing mentor and sponsorship programs to their fundraising portfolio. Until their 501(c)(3) status is finalized, donations are gratefully accepted through the San Miguel Community Foundation, on their website, through PayPal or by check (American or Canadian funds).

Now as in the past, Apoyo partners with other nonprofits such as CASA, EEESMA, Feed the Hungry, and groups including Midday Rotary Club, AMISTAD, the Community Church of San Miguel de Allende, Continente Americano University, Instituto Sanmiguelense, and the State of Guanajuato. The synergy these reciprocal relationships generate profits each organization and its clients. More importantly, they reveal the powerful impact of communal action. What benefits your neighbourhood, benefits your family.

Ezequiel says locals initially, “thought I was crazy when I approached them to offer interest-free loans. It was difficult to break down the doors of that community.” Their 20-year track record has validated both their original concept and their expanded programming. With hundreds of business owners and graduates now earning and supporting their families thanks to Apoyo, and with an impressive facility attracting even more local entrepreneurs, Ezequiel says they are building a new community, created by Mexicans, for Mexicans. “We don’t give handouts,” he says. “The startup money is not the goal. It is a tool to help them make more money and grow the economy. So is the education. That’s how Mexicans will break the cycle of poverty.”

For more information contact Ezequiel Mojica at apoyoemprendedores@yahoo.com.mx - 415 120 1209