Escrito por: María José Escobar, Coordinadora de Género y Medios de Vida de Fundación Capital
Connect, Support, and Transform
The Internet connects people to information, networks, and opportunities that improve livelihoods and well-being. When combined with the power of digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), its benefits multiply.
«Among the tools offered by Con-Héctor, the price simulator was especially important. It helped me verify whether the prices I set for my products really align with the earnings I should be making. Con-Héctor and Eleva made us think differently about our businesses and provided us with key tools to improve our profits and become better organized.» – Paula Andrea B., entrepreneur at Almacén Sion
At Fundación Capital, we use the Internet and technology to amplify the work of our teams in the field, support the plans of the people we work with, and scale our impact.
Con-Héctor is an AI-powered virtual assistant on WhatsApp that provides reliable, tailored information and simple tools to promote financial and digital inclusion. Eleva is a digital partnership platform that connects people with information, opportunities, and networks to strengthen their capabilities, build assets, and improve their well-being.
With the technical and financial support of the Internet Society Foundation, we implemented the initiative Conectadas in Colombia, reaching more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs who transformed the way they understand and use technology.
Trust, Make Mistakes, and Try Again
For Marcela, Rosa, Adelaida, Fanny, and Mónica, using digital tools became possible through a process of self-awareness, confidence, and hands-on learning.
«As any gardener knows, for something to grow, it must be nurtured. With Con-Héctor, I understood that Encyclia House is born from who I am and what I believe in. It gave me confidence, clarity, and a new drive to keep moving forward.»
«In Eleva, I found practical resources that I’ve applied with heart. I learned to communicate better about what I do, connect with my audience, and reinforce my brand identity. All of this has made more people fall in love with our message.» – Johana M., entrepreneur at Encyclia House
From Distant to Possible
We shifted the perception of the Internet and technology from something distant and intimidating to something accessible and supportive. For women caregivers like Noelia, Carmen, Yolima, Marisol, and Angie, entrepreneurship became a way to generate income, express creativity, and contribute to their communities.
«Technology was very useful and user-friendly. I learned more, it made things easier, and it gave me confidence. What I like most is that I can make mistakes and try again without fear of criticism.»
«This was like traveling to an unknown world. I’ve been able to make many things come true that once felt distant or unreachable.» – Noelia Y., entrepreneur at Variedades Malú
Connecting to Transform
We promote the use of the Internet to connect people, and we use AI to foster partnerships that help achieve shared goals. Today, women like Pastora, Nohelia, Verónica, Lady, and Johana Forero use these tools to strengthen their communities and build networks of women.
«Creating promotional materials has helped me share everything I do more creatively to create a positive impact in my community.»
«Eleva is a beautiful space for making connections. Through my experience and leadership, I involve migrants, single mothers, and conflict victims in training processes that strengthen their knowledge and businesses.» – Pastora R., community leader and entrepreneur at Empanadas Pas
Human-Centered AI
Johana, Alexandra, Dil, Hermenza, Alba, and Mildred show that it’s possible to grow businesses and reach new markets with AI designed with people at the center. They now access resources that were once costly—like promotional content—save time calculating fair prices, and discover new opportunities for more equitable trade.
Tools That Add Value
We use the Internet to drive financial inclusion and integrate technology to support informed decision-making. Thanks to the Con-Héctor Credit Simulator and Eleva’s learning content, entrepreneurs like Paula, Carolina, Duby, Yuba, and Sonia now recognize the value of their work and know how to price their products and services fairly.
Investing in MSMEs Is Investing in the Future
Today we celebrate 25 women from Nariño, Casanare, Huila, Cauca, and Cundinamarca—but we know there are millions of entrepreneurs across Colombia and Latin America driving the region’s economy forward. Investing in MSMEs is investing in sustainable development and innovation. Learn more about Conectadas in this article.
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