The initiative will update ecosystem maps, analyze key data and provide strategic tools to improve support for small and growing businesses.

• By analyzing data and updating ecosystem maps in 11 countries, the initiative will provide strategic tools to enhance support for small and growing businesses.
• ESOs interested in participating can complete a survey before February 14, 2025.

Mexico City, February 30 – The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) and Bridge for Billions have formed a strategic alliance to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in Latin America and Africa. Through a regional study, this initiative will assess Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) to identify key challenges and collaboration opportunities in the sector.

A Comprehensive Diagnostic to Empower Entrepreneurship

This partnership combines ANDE’s expertise in ecosystem and SME research with Bridge for Billions’ hands-on experience in incubator program development. The study will map key stakeholders, update data on ESOs, and generate valuable insights to enhance their capacity to support small and growing businesses.

Key actions of the initiative include:

• Research on ESOs: A detailed analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystems in each country, resulting in a report that identifies gaps, success stories, and best practices.
• Ecosystem Mapping Updates: Covering countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia, as well as Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. These mappings will serve as a local actor census, fostering strategic connections and guiding evidence-based policymaking.

“This partnership merges data and action to strengthen organizations that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. In Latin America, entrepreneurship is a key driver of social mobility and economic development. Strengthening ESOs means paving the way for inclusive prosperity,” said Pedro Martínez, ANDE’s Regional Director for Latin America.

Pablo Santaeufemia, CEO and Founder of Bridge for Billions, emphasized the importance of making ESO challenges more visible: “We have known for years what works and what doesn’t in our ecosystems, yet our voices are often unheard. This initiative seeks to bring those challenges to light and strengthen ESOs because when they thrive, the entire ecosystem improves.”

Call to Participate

To ensure a representative analysis, the initiative invites all interested ESOs to complete a survey before February 14, 2025. The survey, which takes 15–20 minutes, gathers insights on funding, impact, organizational challenges, and key metrics.

Participants will receive:

• Early access to the final report.
  
• An executive summary of their organization’s performance.
  
• A discount for the Conecta Summit (March 24–26, El Salvador).
  
• Logo recognition in the report.
  
• Access to Bridge for Billions’ resource library.
  
• A $250 discount on Conecta membership.
  
• An invitation to Conecta Demo Days.

Access the survey.

Why is this study important?

1. Small Businesses Drive Economic Development
   Growing Small Businesses (GSBs) create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen local economies. However, many face barriers to accessing funding, networks, and training. A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is key to their success.
2. Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) Need More Visibility and Resources
   ESOs play a crucial role by providing training, mentorship, and key connections for entrepreneurs. However, their challenges and needs often go unnoticed. This study highlights these gaps and aims to strengthen them strategically.
3. Data-Driven Decisions for Real Impact
   This diagnostic will provide accurate, up-to-date insights into the state of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Latin America and Africa. With this data, governments, investors, and key stakeholders can design more effective policies and programs.
4. Fostering Collaboration to Maximize Impact
   By connecting key players and sharing findings, this initiative facilitates the design of collective strategies that enhance the sustainable growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About ANDE

ANDE is a global network of organizations that promote entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Through ecosystem research and detailed diagnostics, ANDE connects resources and supports small and medium-sized enterprises that drive job creation and sustainable growth. Since its founding, ANDE has produced 18 entrepreneurial ecosystem snapshots to help organizations make data-driven strategic decisions.

About Bridge for Billions

Bridge for Billions is a social enterprise specializing in designing and managing incubation programs for early-stage entrepreneurs. Its Conecta initiative aims to catalyze more inclusive and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystems, fostering resilient and economically sustainable communities.