We have worked with about 200 women in Zacatecas and our programs have benefited them and their families – about 1000 people, while promoting sustainable economic development in their communities.
Results | Efectiveness
(1) Education: Impact evaluation (via a random selection of participants) integrated a priori to measure quantitative results (we are partnering with the Economics Department at Stanford University). About 150 women participated in the pilot of the education program from 2009 to 2010, impacting nearly 500 family members. In addition, we implemented a qualitative evaluation in order to personally follow up with the women after the workshops and to maintain an updated database. We also monitored and evaluation the participation of students as trainers (18 in total). Each course concludes with a short evaluation that has helped us to compile anecdotal evidence that highlights the positive effects of the courses in terms of empowerment and interest in professional services.
(2) Red CREA: We have a detailed database of more than 1,300 women and 55 microenterprises. The impact of the network is measured case by case. For example, the product fair we held in June 2009 was evaluated base on the participating microenterprises (43) the toal sales ($43,000 pesos, which is a higher amount than the women would normally sell) and beneficiary satisfaction surveys. The mentoring program has strategies to evaluate the women’s progress, their and the mentors’ satisfaction, as well as indictors to measure the sessions’ duration, and increase in revenue, among others. We will start with 25 mentorship pairs in the first half of 2011, and are already piloting 4 groups.
(3) Business Development: We evaluate our business development work according to the particular indicators included in the work plans that we establish with each microenterprise. For example with the two microenterprises with whom we are supporting to export their products, we are measuring the sales generated. With another microenterprise, the indicator will be the successful and timely development of two product prototypes and the development of a business plan. We have worked to develop 4 microenterpises and are currently working with another 5.
(4) Taste of Mexico:From September 2010 to January 2011 we have carried out a pilot of Taste of Mexico with more than 20 restaurants in Northern California, so that they can try products made by women in rural communities.
What people say about CREA:
“During CREA’s first Product Fair we sold in one day what we sell in a month of more. I hope they have another fair!” María de la Cueva
“CREA’s courses helped me to understand how I should manage my businesses accounts and I can grow to have a better business.” Isabel de la Cruz
“The products from Taste of Mexico are of excellent quality and allow us to offer our clients the authentic Mexican flavor” Rodrigo Hernández
Goals 2011
This year CREA wll triple its budget and double the number of women we work with. We will work in more new rural communities with high migrations rates and will develop alliances in other states in México.
Goals 2010-2015
In five years, we want CREA to operate in 5 states in México. We will offer courses at different levels and traditional and non-traditional learning classroom learning materials. We will have a network of mentors that includes the entire country and migrant microentrepreneurs from different regions of the US that advise women entrepreneurs. We will have worked with 30 in the area of business development and they will provide dignified employment and sustainable models with positive social impacts. We want to reach a total of 5,000 people directly or indirectly through our programs and services.
