Video case studies: Bpeace's support to dynamic “fast runner” small businesses in Guatemala
EVALUATIONS
Business Council for Peace (Bpeace) work with entrepreneurs by mobilising their network of "Skillanthropists", who volunteer their skills and knowledge, both on-site and remotely, to help businesses in conflict-affected countries grow, create jobs, become more profitable and secure a future for their workers and communities. Argidius partnered with Bpeace in 2015, advising 38 Guatemalan business owners (Fast Runners). Cohort 1 "graduated" in 2017, and Cohort 2 graduated October 2018. After an evaluation of Cohort 1’s performance, changes were made that included condensing the duration of the Bpeace program, and introducing a fee for entrepreneurs to take part. The changes significantly enhanced positive outcomes. Cohort 2 generated $3.4M incremental revenue, 62 full time jobs in the first year of support, vs Cohort 1 (the original model) which generated $180k incremental revenue and 32 jobs over the two years since support.
To look beyond the quantitative data of revenue and job creation, a series of evaluation-by-video case studies was commissioned, to take a qualitative look at the extended impact of the intervention on businesses and their workers. A qualified news journalist was employed to interview business owners and employees to provide an overview of how, why and if Bpeace played a role in the acceleration of their businesses.