Fundación Terra, through its Terra te Impulsa program and in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) via the "Creando Mi Futuro Aquí" project, has awarded 26 young entrepreneurs to support their ventures that contribute to the social and economic development of the country. This initiative provides young people with the opportunity to formalize and strengthen their businesses, integrating independently and professionally into the market.

From 253 applications received, 44 finalists were selected after a rigorous evaluation process. The finalists had the opportunity to present their "pitch" and a detailed financial and investment plan before a panel of expert judges. Selection criteria included innovation and creativity in processes and products, incorporation of digital marketing knowledge, business viability, market opportunities, and the candidates' ability to effectively communicate their ideas. Ultimately, 26 winners from Tegucigalpa, Juticalpa, Choloma, La Ceiba, Copán, and San Pedro Sula were chosen.

The prizes awarded totaled L 250,000 in seed capital and 3 digital kits, each comprising a laptop and Microsoft licenses. These prizes were distributed among the most innovative and promising projects as follows:

• First place: L 20,000.00
• Second place: L 16,000.00
• Third place: L 14,000.00
• Fourth to twenty-third place: L 10,000.00 each
• Twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth place: Digital Kits

Throughout the competition, participants also received training in essential areas for the success of their ventures, including:

• Business Idea: Fostering creativity and innovative idea generation.
• Market: Understanding market dynamics and opportunities.
• Starting the Business: Developing essential entrepreneurial skills.
• Resource Management: Learning to manage resources efficiently.
• Sales and Training: Enhancing sales and communication skills.
• Business Legality: Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory aspects.

Fredy Nasser, Executive President of Fundación Terra, stated: “At Fundación Terra, we firmly believe in the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship. Through Terra te Impulsa and in collaboration with partners like USAID, we are empowering young Hondurans to become change agents in their communities. These entrepreneurs are not only creating opportunities for themselves but also contributing to the economic growth and sustainable development of Honduras.”

David Media, Deputy Director of Creando Mi Futuro Aquí, shared: "For Creando Mi Futuro Aquí from USAID, strategic alliances like this one with Fundación Terra through Terra Te Impulsa represent a greater impact in promoting economic development opportunities for Honduran youth. To date, USAID, through Creando, has contributed to the formation of over 1,000 youth microenterprises. This partnership with Fundación Terra is a living example of how to bring hope to youth who dream of entrepreneurship and who can now achieve it thanks to the training, financial support, and business technical assistance they receive as part of this alliance. An enterprise fosters greater connection among youth with their country and provides them with the opportunity to generate income for their families and create jobs for other young people."

With this initiative, Fundación Terra and USAID reaffirm their commitment to developing entrepreneurial youth, boosting the local economy, and strengthening the country’s business fabric. The 26 winners represent the future of Honduran entrepreneurship, and their success is a testament to the transformative power of education, innovation, and collective effort.