Since Argidius undertook its previous ecosystem mapping study in 2013-15, the conditions for entrepreneurship and SME development in Guatemala have improved and Guatemala’s ecosystem has shifted positively. This can be attributed to a generational shift in attitudes, government policy and promotion, successful social enterprises, and the hard work of many organisations profiled in this study. However, the ability for the macroeconomic conditions to be sustained and for the government to continue the momentum is in question. Fears about the political and economic stability and the security in the country might thwart momentum; however there is an attitude from many to keep moving forward and not hesitate because of uncertainty.

 

Key findings

Some of the basic foundations of infrastructure (such as having a policy) now in place are small but fundamental steps. There are a number of strong support organisations in the ecosystem working at different stages of enterprise development and using a variety of approaches. The ecosystem has a strong level of diversity and good local presence. Many of the organisations have been around for over a decade, and the newer organisations are demonstrating their credibility as well.

However, there is still not enough connectivity and coordination amongst the different players, leading to silo-working. Access to finance is an understated major challenge in the ecosystem. The banks are not supporting the sector and there are far too few local impact investors. More funders are needed.

Other resources

  • This 2018 mapping updates the previous study, completed in 2015.
  • Mapping based on social network analysis was published by Swisscontact in 2020.
  • Short study of Guatemala’s light manufacturing sector includes recommendations for enterprise development support. In Spanish.
  • ANDE's ecosystems mappings library contains other useful resources, indexed by region and country.

About Argidius’ mappings

We regularly commission SME ecosystems mappings in our target geographies. These studies are intended to give contextual overview and shed light on the challenges and opportunities for SME development and poverty alleviation. They include an inventory of service organisations and an analysis of the services landscape including areas of unfulfilled needs (gaps) Argidius use these maps to help identify organisations positioned to address these gaps.