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Community Business Development
by: El Terreno
Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs around Guaranda earn little from their products due to intermediaries, unstable prices, and reliance on chemicals. Weak cooperatives, expensive credit, and lack of business skills limit their ability to improve incomes and negotiate better terms. Migration of young people further weakens local enterprise. As a volunteer or intern in the Community Business Development placement, you will support local producers in strengthening cooperatives, improving value chains, and developing new opportunities, such as community tourism and value-added processing of traditional products like chochos (lupin beans). You will provide basic business training and help build more resilient community enterprises. This practical internship gives you valuable experience in community economic development and entrepreneurship while helping break cycles of poverty in the rural Ecuadorian Andes.
Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs around Guaranda earn little from their products due to intermediaries, unstable prices, and reliance on chemicals. Weak cooperatives, expensive credit, and lack of business skills limit their ability to improve incomes and negotiate better terms. Migration of young people further weakens local enterprise. As a volunteer or intern in the Community Business Development placement, you will support local producers in strengthening cooperatives, improving value chains, and developing new opportunities, such as community tourism and value-added processing of traditional products like chochos (lupin beans). You will provide basic business training and help build more resilient community enterprises. This practical internship gives you valuable experience in community economic development and entrepreneurship while helping break cycles of poverty in the rural Ecuadorian Andes.
Program Highlights
Work with small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs to strengthen cooperatives and improve value chains in rural Andean communities.
Support the development of new income opportunities, including community tourism and value-added processing of local products like chochos.
Deliver practical business training and help communities build sustainable, resilient enterprises.
Gain real-world experience in community economic development and entrepreneurship in a challenging but rewarding setting.
Contribute to breaking cycles of poverty while immersing yourself in the rich culture and collective spirit of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Quick Details
- Guaranda, Ecuador
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Business
- Development
- Sustainable Development
- Business
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Guaranda, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Business
- Development
- Sustainable Development
- Causes
- Business
- Community Centers
- Community Development
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 5-8 Weeks
- 3-6 Months
- 9-12 Weeks
- Summer
- Summer
- Winter
- Spring
- 1-3 Months
- 3-6 Months
- Fall
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Couples, Families, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- Group Meals
- Some Equipment
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Academic Advising
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Academic Credit
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate of Completion
- Emergency Support
- Internship Placement
- Training
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Community Business Development program cost?
The cost of the Community Business Development placement is $250 per week.
What is the duration of this placement?
The Community Business Development placement lasts a minimum of 4 weeks.
Who can apply for the Community Business Development program?
Open to interns and volunteers, the Community Business Development program is for university students, recent graduates, and professionals from around the world.
What kind of attitude do you look for in interns and volunteers?
As an organization committed to a community-based approach, we search for ethically minded participants who share our vision for a more vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable world. An ideal participant is passionate, proactive, able to meet deadlines, and takes pride in their work — all while desiring to step outside of their comfort zone, build authentic relationships, and become a member of our international community.
Is it safe to stay in Guaranda and Atandahua?
Yes! El Terreno is based in a peaceful rural community where people know and support each other. The region is considered very safe, and Atandahua even has its own local police station. There have been no security incidents involving our interns or community members since our start in 2021. We also maintain close partnerships with local authorities and provide 24/7 on-site support to ensure all participants feel safe and welcome.
Program Reviews
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Ready to Learn More?
Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs around Guaranda earn little from their products due to intermediaries, unstable prices, and reliance on chemicals. Weak cooperatives, expensive credit, and lack of business skills limit their ability to improve incomes and negotiate better terms. Migration of young people further weakens local enterprise. As a volunteer or intern in the Community Business Development placement, you will support local producers in strengthening cooperatives, improving value chains, and developing new opportunities, such as community tourism and value-added processing of traditional products like chochos (lupin beans). You will provide basic business training and help build more resilient community enterprises. This practical internship gives you valuable experience in...
El Terreno
El Terreno
Ready to Learn More?
Small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs around Guaranda earn little from their products due to intermediaries, unstable prices, and reliance on chemicals. Weak cooperatives, expensive credit, and lack of business skills limit their ability to improve incomes and negotiate better terms. Migration of young people further weakens local enterprise. As a volunteer or intern in the Community Business Development placement, you will support local producers in strengthening cooperatives, improving value chains, and developing new opportunities, such as community tourism and value-added processing of traditional products like chochos (lupin beans). You will provide basic business training and help build more resilient community enterprises. This practical internship gives you valuable experience in...
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