For the third consecutive year, the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards ceremony was streamed online in Spanish on Facebook Live for Bridge to Success clients and potential clients. 195 participants entered (an increase of 9% compared to 2022), and nine women received an award of one of the three categories: Successful Entrepreneur, Exemplary Client, and Outstanding Woman.

The nine winners are from the Guatemalan departments of Chimaltenango, Quetzaltenango, and Suchitepequez. 2023’s winners are:

• Successful Entrepreneur: Maria R. received a cash award of $1,935 that will be used for inventory purchase and to expand her business. Rosario manufactures clothing and accessories, and sells them through her store, E-Moda, Tejiendo Estilo (Weaving Style).
• Exemplary Client: Cleotilde V. received a $1,677 award to use in her business, Chocolate Doña Oti. She will invest her award in machinery to operate her business.
• Outstanding Woman: Alba R. received $700 to invest in a professional camera, which she will use in her event decorating business, Eventos Inolvidables (Unforgettable Moments).

The Women’s Entrepreneur Awards are a way for our Bridge to Success clients, as well as potential clients, to demonstrate their business growth, resilience to overcome challenges, application of Friendship Bridge training, responsible use of credit, and community leadership. As Bridge to Success completes its second full year, 241 female entrepreneurs have received individual loans and taken part in intensive business training. They then create an action plan to set achievable goals by the end of their loan. 

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2023 Women’s Entrepreneur Awards including donors, sponsors, advisors, and volunteer judges!