Learn about one of the winning social enterprises of the second edition of the Entrepreneur Fund: Innovation and sustainability in the heart of Peru.
Deep in the Valley of the Rivers Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro (VRAEM), a region known for its socioeconomic challenges, emerged a story of hope and change, Inkao Peru, a company led by women that has been revolutionizing cacao farming in this part of the country, offering not only high-quality cacao and chocolate products, but also serving as a beacon of innovation and sustainability.
Their approach goes beyond simple trading. Inkao Peru has dedicated itself to working hand-in-hand with local farmers, transforming traditional crop into a sustainable and profitable practice. This initiative not only provides a viable alternative to the illicit cultivation of the coca leaf, but it also empowers local communities, improving their quality of life and fostering a brighter future.
Inkao Peru’s vision and hard work have recently been recognized as one of the winners of the second edition of the Entrepreneur Fund, an achievement that underscores its significant impact on the social entrepreneurship sector in Peru. To delve deeper into this inspiring journey, we had the opportunity to speak with Naner Reynoso, CEO and founder of Inkao Peru.
In this exclusive interview conducted by the Wiese Foundation, we explore the challenges they face, and the aspirations they have for the future through the benefits offered by the Entrepreneur Fund and more. Join us for this eye-opening conversation, where passion and perseverance intertwine to create a business model that goes beyond profit, towards a positive and lasting social impact.
The impact of the Entrepreneur Fund on Inkao Peru
What are the lessons that The Entrepreneur Fund has brought to your business throughout all this time?
We’ve had several learnings. One of them has been the optimization of time in the processes, which has had a positive impact on our productivity as a company. We’ve also learned to be more efficient based on theory.
On the other hand, we have improved our vision to define well what our impact is, which areas we reach. I think another important factor is that we learned to be more specific and punctual on certain topics.
All this has helped us to organize ourselves as a company without having to invest more.
What were those processes like before?
Primarily, we have learned to be more productive and efficient, sad we’ve recognized the importance of communicating what we do as a company. In the beginning, we did everything empirically and implicitly. For example, our products were not in our media, but thanks to the Entrepreneur Fund we have learned more about how to reach our end customer.
What are the plans you have with the injection of financing that you will receive from the Entrepreneur Fund?
We are really very happy for the award, because for us it will be a very different 2024. It begins a milestone with a before and after, since the Wiese Foundation made us part of the Entrepreneur Fund. Thanks to this, we are renovating our facilities and the new line of machinery.
We are also going to invest in inputs. With this we will be able to have a greater impact with farmers, applying a new social impact work plan that we already have for next year. We welcome 2024 with great enthusiasm together with the Wiese Foundation.
If you had to describe in a short sentence, what has been the contribution that the Entrepreneur Fund has given to Inkao Peru?
Change and inspiration. Throughout our process, the Foundation came as a light on the road to give us a hand, aside from their perspective that we are going to walk together and grow as a team.
They really make us feel that we are no longer alone in the growth process. I know that we are going to get better to reach more people. For us, that’s what the Wiese Foundation is.
Discover all the winners of the second edition of the Entrepreneur Fund
Do you want to find out who were the other 3 winners of the second edition of the Entrepreneur Fund, and how this program has improved its social impact in its areas of influence? Learn more here.
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