How Empréndete G100 Is Fueling Small Business Growth in Guatemala

For the first time, a group of leading business figures came together to listen to the stories, dreams, and challenges of small entrepreneurs, with the goal of supporting their growth. 

Through Empréndete G100, these leaders act as mentors, allies, and facilitators, providing financial support without taking equity, ensuring that entrepreneurs retain full ownership of their businesses.

A Nationwide Call for Small Businesses

The initiative launched its open call in July 2025, receiving applications from 300 small business owners across Guatemala. Entrepreneurs applied across five main categories:

• Commerce: 40.2%
• Services: 35%
• Technology: 10.5%
• Manufacturing: 8.6%
• Social impact: 5.6%

Applicants sought access to mentorship, business advisory services, and networking with some of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs.

From Pitch to Capital: The Selection Process

After an initial pitch round, 50 entrepreneurs were selected to receive direct mentorship from G100 business leaders. They also accessed specialized training to scale their businesses through Universidad Galileo and underwent business validation to assess real market potential.

The process concluded with the allocation of capital funding to four entrepreneurs, who presented their ventures before a jury composed of G100 members.

Leadership Voices Behind Empréndete G100

“The true satisfaction of this project lies in bringing together 100 entrepreneurs who have transformed personal commitment into direct action and support for small business owners. Empréndete G100 represents not only a collective achievement, but the beginning of a solid path toward growth and opportunity for those who need it most,” said Daniel Panedas, Director of Siete Zero and the Empréndete G100 platform.

From the financial sector, José Carlos Barrios, Vice President of Commercial Strategy, Marketing, and Sustainability at BAC Guatemala, added:

 “In BAC, we support the G100 Program not only because of its direct impact on the entrepreneurs evaluated, mentored, and awarded, but also because of the generosity, solidarity, and faith in the country shown by the 100 business leaders involved. Their contributions go beyond capital to include time and guidance, reinforcing our commitment to building a more prosperous Guatemala.”

The Winning Entrepreneurs

Susana María Gaytán García – Frissie, S.A

Frissie was founded during the pandemic, at a time when many farmers faced severe challenges. The company transforms agricultural products by freezing them, preventing waste while offering fresh and natural food to consumers.

Each bag of frozen fruit delivered to Guatemalan homes contributes to sustainability and well-being by connecting farmers directly with consumers. Frissie’s catalog includes blueberries, mixed berries (blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry), pineapple, pitaya, and açaí pulp, available in two-pound retail packages and bulk formats for hotels and restaurants.

Sandra Sabina Tavico Pú – Fábrica Tavico

Based in Sibacá Tercero, Aldea Chujuyub, Santa Cruz del Quiché, Fábrica Tavico is a family-owned business focused on improving wastewater treatment in an accessible and affordable way.

The company manufactures eco-digesters that filter up to 90% of wastewater before returning it to the soil. This solution helps address the lack of public drainage systems and contributes to healthier living environments for families.

Carlos Roberto Castellanos Triminio – Hacienda del Café

Founded in 2015 in La Estancia, Las Florecitas, Huehuetenango, Hacienda del Café is more than a lodging destination, it is a transformative experience rooted in sustainability.

The project offers handcrafted cabins, geodesic domes designed to last over 40 years, and a one-of-a-kind habitable cave. Built under sustainability and permaculture principles, the project integrates respectfully with nature. The brand is recognized within Guatemalan tourism and is ranked among the Top 5 best coffees in Guatemala at the Cup of Excellence.

Ángela Chiquín Chitay – Kemonels

Kemonels is a collective of Indigenous Q’eqchi’ women weavers dedicated to preserving and promoting ancestral textile art through a sustainable business model.

Their main product lines include handwoven textiles such as shawls, scarves, and home décor. The collective focuses on transferring unique weaving techniques to younger generations, with elder weavers passing down invaluable knowledge to ensure continuity. Kemonels also collaborates with local leather artisans to create accessories like bags, wallets, and shoes, expanding their product offerings.

Beyond income generation, Kemonels empowers women, strengthens community ties, and safeguards a cultural heritage of immense value to Guatemala and the world.