Pradera hosts first edition of “Chiquitiemprende” to foster youth entrepreneurship

Centros Comerciales Pradera recently held the first edition of “Chiquitiemprende,” an event aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship among children. The initiative is part of the “Todos por mi Comunidad” program and brought together over 30 young entrepreneurs, aged 6 to 14, from eight regions where Pradera operates: Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, Escuintla, Huehuetenango, Puerto Barrios, Xela, Zacapa, and zone 12 in Guatemala City.

Mónica Covarrubias, director of Real Estate Operations at CMI Capital, said: “Con ChiquitiEmprende queremos sembrar la semilla del emprendimiento en los más pequeños, enseñándoles desde niños el valor del esfuerzo, la creatividad y la ilusión de ver sus ideas hechas realidad. Este espacio está pensado para motivarlos a soñar en grande y para que sus familias y comunidades se sientan orgullosas de ellos.”

During the event, participants displayed products such as jewelry, crafts, pet items, toys, art and decorations. They shared their creations with visitors and gained experience selling directly to customers.

Winners from each shopping center were given a rent-free space within Pradera for the month of October to continue promoting and selling their products. In addition to this opportunity for the children, parents and guardians attended a workshop by Fundación Juan Bautista Gutiérrez called “De emprendimiento a empresa,” which focused on strengthening business knowledge and skills.

CMI stated: “En CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, de la mano de nuestros Valores REIR: Responsabilidad, Excelencia, Integridad y Respeto, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con el fortalecimiento de las comunidades, creando oportunidades que inspiran, conectan y transforman la vida de las familias en la región.”

The company is currently led by its third generation of family leadership with Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga serving as President Chairman of CMI Alimentos and Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez as President Chairman of CMI Capital. Both leaders have expressed their commitment to making investments that support sustainable development through programs that encourage entrepreneurship.