CABEI strengthens Guatemala's female entrepreneurial ecosystem with US$6.5 million in financing
In alliance with COFINSA, the Bank channeled credit to 22 medium-sized companies in 2024, employing more than a thousand people.
Guatemala City, March 7, 2025.- Aware that providing more financial opportunities to women entrepreneurs is a way to bet on more inclusive and sustainable development, in 2024 the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, through Financiera Consolidada S.A. (COFINSA) — part of Corporación Multi Inversiones - allocated $6.5 million in loans to 22 medium-size companies that are mostly women-owned.
This financing, earmarked for working capital, boosted businesses in strategic sectors such as construction, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, machinery and equipment sales, veterinary and agricultural services, water sanitation, and energy generation and distribution. Beyond business growth, the social impact is significant: these companies generate more than 1,056 jobs, 30% of which are held by women, thus contributing to greater labor inclusion.
"When a woman accesses credit, she not only strengthens her business, but also generates jobs, drives the growth of her community, and improves the quality of life of many families. Our alliance with COFINSA reinforces our commitment to provide timely financial solutions that enable businesses with female leaders to grow and generate a greater impact on their environment," said Miguel Almeyda, CABEI Country Manager for Guatemala.
The credit resources come from the Regional Business Financing Program for Women (FEM) and are available at the commercial banks with which CABEI has a line of credit. This initiative, supported by Agence Française de Développement (AFD), seeks to promote the empowerment and economic autonomy of women, contributing to the regional economic development and integration process in terms of gender.
