Strengthening Networks in Peru

Grupo de Análisis para el Desarrollo (GRADE) and Sector3 Social Venture Group have partnered in Peru to implement the Women Entrepreneurs Leading Development project (WELD).  The objective of WELD is to improve the growth and competitiveness of small enterprises in Peru by providing targeted capacity building for women business owners.  Specifically, the project will address existing market gaps in social and human capital.  Participating entrepreneurs will be exposed to two separate interventions to determine which strategy – individual mentoring or peer working groups – is more successful in improving business practices and profitability, and increasing leadership in SMEs.  Over three years, WELD will recruit approximately 1,000 women entrepreneurs who own small businesses in Lima and Arequipa within the following industries: textiles, restaurants, processed food products and handicrafts.