Empretec is the global entrepreneurship training program of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development – UNCTAD. Its biannual Women in Business Awards celebrate businesswomen who have excelled since completing their programs. The 2016 finalists were selected from over 50 nominations submitted by 23 countries.
UNCTAD is seeking experienced women entrepreneurs who are willing to act as mentors – in-country or virtually – for the 2016 finalists:
Maria Andrea Nallim (Argentina)
Reciclarg Recycling Technology recycles technology waste from companies to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly use of technology products.
Bonou Née Zanou Berthe (Benin)
The Akpakpa pediatric clinic provides a complete range of healthcare services, including consultation and hospital services for children up to 17 years old.
Mayra Holguin (Dominican Republic)
Programa Buenos Negocios promotes entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises in the media (including radio and television production) and management industry events. The firm also runs “Birth of an entrepreneur”, an internationally award-winning reality radio show for entrepreneurs which has concluded its second season to great success.
Lidia Isabel Toaquiza Velasteguà (Ecuador)
Pachigen produces organic cosmetics to original, exclusive formulae, and a wide range of compact medical masks for all skin types. All ingredients are organically grown, 100% free of synthetic additives, preservatives and petroleum.
Fatou Saine Gaye (Gambia)
Gayenjorro Hair Plus provides vocational training to 280 young people in various marketable skills, such as hairdressing, beauty cosmetology, massage therapy, catering, tailoring, information technology, animal husbandry, carpentry, masonry and agriculture.
Gladys Ramos Ramires (Guatemala)
Artisan Cosmetic Bhoga produces cosmetics that are 100% natural and is the first company in Guatemala to use cereals, sea salt, dried herbs and pure vegetable oils as ingredients.
Dr. Vinaya Shetty (India)
VIN Management Consultants provides training, coaching and counseling to various organizations. By focusing on individual and organizational development, the company enables better quality service from various organizations and public institutions such as the police.
Aline Wong (Mauritius)
L’Inattendu manufactures original textile products designed for women, men and children. The company employs 75 employees, 95% of whom are women. The firm has put in place several efforts to empower its employees to achieve the well-being of their families and the socio-economic development of the villages where they live.
Joyce Kyalema (Uganda)
Josmak International offers a variety of organic pumpkin products distributed on the national market. The sustainable agricultural practice has been adopted by 80 rural female pumpkin growers and substantially reduces land degradation.
Julia Graciela Crescini (Uruguay)
Oway Sports manufactures specialized technical sportswear and accessories for athletes. It is ISO 9001 certified for ensuring environmental sustainability. It sponsors emerging athletes and promotes sport as a means of helping people with disabilities and integrating them in their communities.
Viet Tran (Viet Nam)
Viet Trang Handicraft provides high quality natural fibers that are hand-woven by artisans, most of them women. The company provides 100% eco-friendly sustainable handicraft products made from local seagrass in combination with water hyacinths, corn leaves and banana leaves.
Brenda Omba Kayumba Lacey (Zambia)
Katcey Construction Limited provides a complete design and construction service to the private and public sectors in Zambia for construction purposes. It is one of few Zambian construction companies focusing on green construction, using local materials and compacted-soil or kiln-fired clay bricks where possible
Viet Tran was selected as the 2016 Gold Winner. However, all of these women are winners and need your insights and experience.
For more information or to volunteer as a mentor, contact president@owit.org.