Emprende Academy is our new program to coach young entrepreneurs from 17 to 30 years old. In 8 meetings we integrate business training with emotional well-being workshops, using Creative Art Therapy: Dance Movement Therapy, Art Therapy and Music Therapy. Currently, a group of 26 young people participates until December. In February 2025 we will start a second cycle with a new group of up to 30 participants
The Puerto Rico Department of Labor stated the unemployment rate in July 2020 is 7.3%, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. In the Arecibo North area where we are located the rate was 8.8%. The President of the PR Economic Development Bank stated that after the pandemic there was an increase of self-employed people of 18% in 2021. Without proper knowledge of business management, they can become failed ventures. That's why they need training, and support to have successful enterprises.
Emprende Academy will start a new coaching cycle for young people under 30 with a business idea. In 8 workshops they will learn how to start a micro business, work on personal development issues, and receive individual mentoring. The program is free of charge. Currently there are 26 participants until December. In February 2025 will start a new cycle with up to 30 participants.
We estimate that 65% of Emprende Academy participants will start and/or keep their microbusinesses running. The other 19.6% will realize that, either their business ideas are not viable or that they are not ready to start a business. Some of them will find a job that will require most of their time and provide income. The personal development component of workshops helps participants to look inside themselves and see the real potential and possible outcomes for their lives.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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