Harnessing the Potential of Migrants: Supporting Migrant Entrepreneurship in Ecuador

When Mónica Velasco first came to Ecuador, she made a living by selling potted succulents. Each plant came inside a hand-painted pot and sold for the equivalent of $0.50 each. Mónica had been an architect in Venezuela, but adapted her skills to this small business after migrating to Ecuador.

Her story can be found among many migrants — individuals who are eager to earn a living and have the entrepreneurial spirit to do so. Stories like hers are part of the impetus behind the ongoing project, “Piloting Virtual Tools and an Innovative Model to Support Entrepreneurship for the Inclusion of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations in Ecuador,” funded by the IOM Development Fund.

The project takes advantage of an already existing virtual platform, the School of Economic Inclusion (EIE in Spanish), which provides courses in business and entrepreneurship for vulnerable populations in Ecuador. In partnership with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES), the platform will soon include a cohort of 150 migrants and expand to include new courses that also take into consideration the particular needs of migrants and refugees, while strengthening their entrepreneurial skills.

Expected to launch in January 2022, the project takes a phased approach, with the first group of migrants joining Ecuadorean locals. Following their training, which includes both soft and hard skills, participants will then join a four-month business incubator where they can start applying what they’ve learned. In addition to practical trainings, the initiative addresses the potential barriers that can limit migrants from harnessing their full potential. Along with mentorship and courses, participants will also get help with a variety of services including childcare, psychosocial help and legal assistance for regularization.

Additionally, the project will strengthen connectivity in Ecuador’s Centers of Economic Inclusion in three cities — Quito, Cuenca and Loja — with 10 new computers to ensure that migrants will be able to participate in the programme — with or without a computer at home.

Though support will be given, the sustainability of the project relies on migrants being active agents in the creation of their business plans, including defining the businesses’ needs, prototypes and ideas for scaling it for growth. At the end of the business incubator, participants will be able to present their business ideas to a jury, with the potential to receive seed capital.

After her participation in a similar programme, Mónica Velasco was able to scale her business, built awareness through digital tools like Instagram, and importantly sees the value of her own work.

Thanks to its holistic approach, this project contributes to the long-term goal of strengthening institutional capacities through sustainable tools and offers concrete examples and solutions for effective change in recognizing the vital role of migrants and refugees in the political and socioeconomic development of Ecuador. In this way, the initiative shows that with inclusive policies and tools, migration can contribute to sustainable development processes and advance prosperity for both migrant and host communities alike. It stands in line with IOM’s strategic work at global and regional level to enhance migrants’ contribution to sustainable development.

Its approach aligns with several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals in its efforts to eradicate poverty (SDG1) and reduce inequalities (SDG10) while promoting more inclusive resilient societies through comprehensive migration governance and policy implementation (SDG16).

It also implemented under the framework of the 3 objectives and the 3 principles of the MiGOF. Additionally, it aligns with IOM’s regional strategy for South America 2020–2024.