How Centro de Innovación y Emprendimiento Bi Helps Entrepreneurs Scale in Guatemala

The Centro de Innovación y Emprendimiento Bi plays a key role in Guatemala’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing the tools, structure, and market connections needed to turn ideas into viable, long-term businesses.

A comprehensive model backed by Fundación Bi and Banco Industrial

Supported by Fundación Bi and Banco Industrial, the Center operates as a multidisciplinary platform that integrates physical infrastructure, technical training, and business support. Its approach moves beyond traditional workshops by offering continuous accompaniment from early validation to commercial expansion.

Based on the seventh floor of the Quo building in Zone 4, Guatemala City, the Center has become a hub for collaboration, learning, and innovation among the country’s creative and productive communities.

Professional infrastructure designed for real-world production

Entrepreneurs at the Center gain access to specialized laboratories and production spaces, including food labs, prototyping workshops, design studios, cutting and sewing areas, and textile looms. These environments are equipped with professional technology that enables ventures to develop, test, and refine products under market-ready conditions.

This infrastructure lowers initial costs, supports process standardization, and accelerates product validation, key steps for entrepreneurs seeking to enter formal markets and scale their operations.

Business training, mentorship, and strategic connections

Alongside infrastructure, the Center offers stage-based training programs that support ventures from ideation and incubation to acceleration. Entrepreneurs participate in workshops, receive personalized advisory services, and engage in mentorship with specialists from diverse industries.

The support also covers essential business areas such as brand registration, labeling, packaging, digital marketing, social media management, and commercialization strategies. In addition, the Center facilitates access to business networks, partnerships, and sales platforms that connect entrepreneurs with real customers and market opportunities.

From support to measurable impact

The Center’s model has produced concrete results. Ventures that began informally now operate with registered brands, structured processes, and consistent sales. One of the key commercialization channels is Démosle Guate, a platform promoted by Banco Industrial and Fundación Bi that showcases local products and pilots retail sales.

This approach highlights that sustainable entrepreneurship requires not only creativity, but also structure, discipline, and access to real market opportunities.

“The support from the Centro de Innovación y Emprendimiento Bi completely transformed my journey as an entrepreneur. It gave me the tools, confidence, and motivation to turn an artisanal recipe into a Guatemalan brand with identity, structure, and a future full of opportunities,” said Efraín Velásquez, founder of Andriego.

Andriego: from a home recipe to a formal business

Andriego was founded in 2025, when Efraín Velásquez sought to generate additional income for his family. The venture began with a salsa macha recipe shared by a Mexican friend, originally from regions such as Puebla and Jalisco. Together with his wife, he adapted the flavor to Guatemalan tastes while preserving its artisanal essence.

In its early stage, the business operated informally, with limited production, sales to close contacts, and no registered brand or standardized processes. The product was also unfamiliar to many consumers, requiring education and trust-building in the local market.

The role of the Center in Andriego’s growth

Before joining the Centro de Innovación y Emprendimiento Bi, Andriego had validated its product on a small scale but lacked the structure to grow. Efraín connected with the Center through a Fundación Bi program for gastronomic entrepreneurs, marking a turning point for the business.

With the Center’s support, Andriego standardized its recipe, registered its brand, developed labels, and strengthened product presentation. Efraín also received training in marketing, social media, and packaging, as well as opportunities to participate in events and tastings.

As a result, the venture expanded its sales points and secured a place at the Démosle Guate store. While entry into supermarkets remains a future goal, sales have grown steadily and the business now operates with a clear long-term vision. Beyond commercial results, the process strengthened family collaboration, discipline, and confidence, laying the foundation for sustainable growth.