A comprehensive programme for entrepreneurs with disabilities providing advocacy and business support

Fundacion Saraki's Mbarete Project in Paraguay supports entrepreneurs with disabilities. By 2024, 800+ were trained, 76 funded, and the program influenced tools by the Ministry of Labour.

Fundacion Saraki is an DPO based in Asunción, running various programmes to support persons with disabilities. In 2021 it started the Mbarete Project to support entrepreneurs with disabilities, empowering them with skills training, building networks with the public and business sectors, and setting up stores to sell their products. From 2021 to mid-2024 more than 800 entrepreneurs were supported, including 200+ who received one-on-one mentoring and 76 who received funding. Mbarete continues to grow and has already influenced the tools and services provided by the Ministry of Labour.

Problems Targeted

There is a lack of advancement opportunities for people with disabilities, especially for subsistence entrepreneurs.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Fundación Saraki launched the Mbarete Project in 2021 to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities across Paraguay in the departments of Asunción, Central, Guairá, San Pedro, Caaguazú, and Itapúa. The project offers comprehensive training and support to help subsistence entrepreneurs strengthen their small businesses. Each participant undergoes a personalized assessment to identify their skills and needs, followed by the development of an individualized work plan. They receive training through workshops covering essential business and technical skills. A major achievement of the project was the creation of the Mbarete Network, consisting of 20 public and private sector organizations and supported by Paraguay’s First Lady. This network advocates for public policy and collaborates with key government institutions to advance support for entrepreneurs with disabilities, promoting an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. By 2023 over 200 entrepreneurs had received one-on-one mentoring, 76 were awarded seed funds, and 60 more awards are planned for 2024..

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Mbarete Project is funded by USAID and private donations. It is expected that over the next 3–5 years a digital platform will support some 5,000 entrepreneurs. The Banco Nacional de Fomento has launched a new financial product specifically designed for subsistence entrepreneurs, called Ñamba’apo Porãve, which also serves those who do not have a tax registration number and have a low income. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

One of 800 entrepreneurs with disabilities who have benefited from the Mbarete Project.

One of 800 entrepreneurs with disabilities who have benefited from the Mbarete Project.

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