Long-Term Business Advisers Program

Implementing Organization:
Institute for International Education

In September of 2005, VEGA member organization,  Institute for International Education, implemented the Long-Term Business Advisors Program in Mexico through its Emerging Market Development Advisers Program (EMDAP), to develop and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s private sector with the ultimate goal of promoting the growth of Mexico's economy.

Leveraging the business management knowledge and technical expertise of recent graduate students, VEGA indentified one MBA-level volunteer to provide long-term technical assistance in support of Mexico's USAID Mission program needs.

The volunteer worked with Mexico’s Acceso a las Finanzas Rurales para la Microempresa (AFIRMA) program to provide targeted technical assistance to selected microfinance institutions in an effort to strengthen AFIRMA's operations and help them expand their client bases. One of the targeted organizations that received technical assistance includes Fundación Integral Comunitaria A.C.—also known as FINCA.

The program came to a close in June of 2006. To learn more, please download the Long-Term Business Advisers Program Brochure.

LTBA Mexico Program Achievements

• Completed market study in a new geographic area
• Conducted two focus groups with AlSol loan officers from the main and 2 branch offices
• Designed new marketing materials (newsletters, brochures, business cards, calendars)
• Completed Al Sol’s first client survey, enabling senior management to develop a business and marketing strategy
• Developed Technical worksheets for product development
• Prepared Training materials on promotional strategies and how to represent the institution at microfinance events
• Compiled results from focus groups with clients
• Recruited and trained a local Marketing Manager

Advisor Assignments

2006-2007

Ana Luisa Pinto, Marketing Manager with Alternativa Solidaria (AlSol) Chiapas A.C. in Chiapas, Mexico.

Additional Information

Mexico Longterm Business Advisers Program Press Release- pdf»

Longterm Business Advisers Program Brochure- pdf»