Market Shapers

Market Shapers is the program that increases opportunities for impact startups to reach new and better markets. Through Alternate Cultivation , which integrates a series of group sessions, specialized workshops with experts and connection events, entrepreneurs will enhance their knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement business plans focused on improving financial sustainability, increasing sales and improve the impact of your business.

The program has been created by Alterna, a social innovation platform with more than 10 years of experience that, throughout its history, has cultivated +2000 companies and impact entrepreneurs in Central America.

At Market Shapers we believe in the power of impact that companies have on people and the environment; Above all, if through genuinely sustainable processes, they transform the way of doing business. That is why, from Market Shapers, we want to strengthen, accompany and give them the opportunity to be part of larger value chains.

Who can participate?

All companies in Mexico and Central America that have a portfolio of products with high social or environmental impact, and with the potential to enter new markets, may apply . After the application phase, a group of 20 companies will be selected that may be part of Market Shapers.

Market Shapers is designed to improve opportunities to access new markets from:

• Networking with expert distributors. You will get first-hand knowledge of Cemaco , Remm and Luum in:
  • Preparation for access to new markets. 
  • Negotiation and knowledge workshops on commercial contracts.
• Strengthening your business model. You will build a clear action plan to increase your sales in the next 6 to 12 months in a sustainable way and a model of social and / or environmental impact.

• Generation of connections. You will expand your network of contacts with companies in Mexico and Central America.
• Opportunities for access to financing. The selected companies will complete the Market Shapers program with the opportunity to pitch in front of impact investors

How much should I invest?

The application is free, only those companies that pass the selection phase should consider an investment of USD 250 before starting the program.

Timeline

• Receipt of applications – From July 19 to Sunday August 15, 2021.
• Announcement of selected companies – From August 27 to September 03, 2021.
• Virtual consulting – From September 09 to November 10, 2021.
• Selected for Pitch – Friday, November 12, 2021
• Pitch event – One day of the week from November 15 to 19, 2021
• Connections process – December 2021 – April 2022