Virtual training connects 230 people from Latin America and the Caribbean

• Participants successfully completed the course promoted by Activa at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), with support from the Government of Canada and the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM).

The course Development of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Nature-Based Business Models successfully concluded on March 18, leaving a meaningful learning experience for 230 participants from 21 countries, mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The selection process was highly competitive, with more than 800 applications received, reflecting the growing interest in strengthening capacities around entrepreneurship.

Delivered by specialists from the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Laboratory: Activa, the program was structured into four thematic units and sixteen sessions. These covered everything from basic entrepreneurship concepts to key topics such as Nature-based Solutions and Activa’s own tools, such as the Sustainable Business Model Canvas.

Content was also developed on costs and revenues, cash flow, funding sources, and communication and digital marketing strategies, providing a comprehensive perspective for strengthening productive initiatives.

The teaching team consisted of Activa specialists: Vladimir Valera, Juan José Serrano, Ricardo Padrón, Vinicio Vargas, Luis Daniel Rojas, and Marianela Argüello L.

“At Activa, we seek to democratize access to information,” said Vladimir Valera, Activa coordinator and technical lead of the course. “It is not about seeing businesses as enemies of nature, but about understanding that it is possible to produce while conserving and conserve while producing,” he added.

Positive feedback

As part of the evaluation process, participants completed a survey to assess the course implementation and identify opportunities for improvement.

The results reflected high satisfaction, highlighting both the quality of the content and the support provided throughout the training process. These inputs will be key to strengthening future editions and responding more effectively to the needs of entrepreneurs.

Nathali Abrahan, a participant from Cuba, stated that the course exceeded her expectations:
“Activa and its partners have facilitated my learning under exceptional conditions of energy crisis and economic situation. They have deeply inspired me, and it has been an honor to be part of this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Angélica María Burgos, from Colombia, noted that “I am grateful for the scholarship, the partners, and the entire CATIE team. They demonstrated professionalism and human quality. The support was timely and motivating. I conclude the course with deep gratitude and the commitment to share what I have learned in my communities.”

Likewise, Kenney Ariel Rosero, a young entrepreneur from Ecuador, shared his video testimonial and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn, share, and build a network of contacts across Latin America.

Upcoming Activa courses

In the coming months, Activa will develop new programs aimed at entrepreneurs, especially in the rural sector of Latin America and the Caribbean, focused on businesses that promote a harmonious relationship with nature.

These courses are designed to strengthen productive initiatives and contribute to their transformation into sustainable, resilient enterprises integrated into the digital environment.

Among the programs to be offered are:

• Innovate to grow in the rural sector
• Sustainable business models: from producer to rural entrepreneur
• Building a business with a sustainable future
• Smart rural finance
• Management of rural entrepreneurship ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Digital marketing for rural enterprises: from the field to the digital world

Information about the opening of these courses will be announced through CATIE and Activa’s social media channels.

Knowledge and Development Platform

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Laboratory: Activa and the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM) are part of CATIE’s Knowledge and Development Platform (KDP), attached to the institution’s Division of Research for Green and Inclusive Development.