Walmart and Guatemala's Chamber of Industry Join Forces to Boost Local SMEs' Competitiveness
A new Walmart SME training program in Guatemala is set to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Through its Una Mano para Crecer (A Hand to Grow) initiative, Walmart has partnered with the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG) to roll out the Business Professionalization Program for SMEs – Business Strengthening for Suppliers, an effort designed to equip local entrepreneurs with practical tools for sustainable growth.
A Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Local Supply Chains
Announced on May 8, 2026, in Guatemala City, the alliance aims to reinforce Walmart's local value chain by supporting manufacturing-focused SMEs. Una Mano para Crecer is Walmart's flagship initiative dedicated to providing tools, mentorship, and training opportunities to small and medium-sized manufacturers, helping them strengthen their capabilities and integrate more effectively into the company's supply chain.
20 Guatemalan SMEs to Benefit at No Cost
The new program will directly benefit 20 small and medium-sized Guatemalan companies, selected based on their interest and commitment. Participating SMEs will access the program completely free of charge, as Walmart will cover the full cost of the training sessions, which will run from May through November 2026.
Why the Chamber of Industry?
The CIG was chosen as the executing partner for this program thanks to its proven track record, expertise, and leadership in business training. Through this collaboration, the initiative seeks to make updated, relevant, and applicable knowledge available to SMEs, contributing directly to their business development.
The program is designed to enhance management capabilities, providing tools that positively impact each company's strategic, commercial, financial, and operational performance. The sessions will cover key areas essential to business growth.
Voices Behind the Initiative
Luis Arturo Ramírez, Deputy Manager of Corporate Affairs at Walmart Guatemala, stated:
"At Walmart, we believe in the power of alliances to drive the development of Guatemalan SMEs. That's why, together with the Chamber of Industry and through our Una Mano para Crecer program, we provide practical and updated knowledge that allows them to strengthen their management and grow sustainably. This type of initiative reflects our commitment to generating a positive impact in the communities where we operate and to helping improve the quality of life of Guatemalan families."
Andrea Monzón, General Director of Operations at CIG, added:
"We recognize the positive impact that these alliances generate, strengthening and driving business growth. Through our Industrial Business School, we promote actions to strengthen the development of human talent with the vision of building more productive and competitive companies. At CIG, one of our strategic pillars is sustainable business development, and that is why we promote programs that empower SMEs to grow and remain sustainable over time, since this will contribute to generating more formal employment for Guatemalans."
A Commitment to Sustainable Business Growth
Through this initiative, Walmart reinforces its long-term commitment to Guatemalan SMEs, driving greater productivity and competitiveness across the local business ecosystem. By providing free access to specialized training in management, leadership, and strategy, the company is investing not only in the growth of individual businesses, but also in the strengthening of the country's broader industrial fabric. The program seeks to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises, better equipped to navigate market challenges, adapt to changing economic conditions, and seize new growth opportunities. Ultimately, this joint effort with the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala reflects a shared vision: empowering local entrepreneurs to become key players in the value chain, while contributing to job creation and economic development in the communities where they operate.
