Mexico's Laredo Consulate & MileOne Renew Partnership to Support Women Entrepreneurs

• MileOne, a business incubator, and the Consulate General of Mexico in Laredo have extended their collaboration
•  The Mexicana Emprende program, which assists Mexican women entrepreneurs, is the main focus
• Through female entrepreneurship, this program promotes international cooperation and economic expansion

By signing a memorandum of understanding to support the “Mexicana Emprende” program, the Mexican Consulate General in Laredo has renewed its collaboration with business incubator MileOne. Mexicana Emprende is an initiative led by the Institute for Mexicans Abroad that seeks to give Mexican women living outside of Mexico access to resources for entrepreneurship. The initiative offers free, structured training to help people realize their business ideas.

Jimena Morales, Consulate Department of Community Affairs head, emphasized that this is the fourth time the Laredo Consulate has teamed up with MileOne for the initiative. Thirteen women are undergoing the fourth iteration, which is under the sixth cycle on a nationwide level.

The program takes place in two phases: an online segment utilizing the ‘DreamBuilder’ platform, where the participants acquire fundamental business competencies, and an in-person phase with one-on-one mentoring and advising from MileOne.

Cesar G. Hernandez, MileOne Chief Operating Officer, stressed that the program not only allows women to start businesses but also gives them employability skills and confidence. Subjects addressed range from marketing to accounting, business setup, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements, and other basics of small business success.

To date, 26 women have graduated through previous editions of the program. Jimena explained the positive reception and stated numerous participants enjoy having an opportunity to receive free, accessible training that promotes economic and personal development.

"The key result is that every woman applies what she's learned and the criticism she's gained to move her business forward," she said. "It can be intimidating to start a business in a foreign country, but this program provides women with a great foundation."

She invited the people of Laredo to remain up-to-date via the Consulate's social media channels, where information about programs, classes, and other professional training opportunities is posted on a regular basis.