COCREO, Molinos Modernos’ Baking and Pastry Academy promotes the start-up success

Original publication by C-Studio for prensalibre.com

COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy, a CMI initiative, was established more than 25 years ago for the purpose of training and growing entrepreneurs interested in the culinary art of flours.

Founded by Corporación Multi Inversiones (CMI), COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy has been a fundamental pillar to train more than 130,000 people in Central America and the Dominican Republic since its inception in 1998.

Created as CEDECAP (Development and Training Center), and evolving into COCREO in 2023, the initial vision of the academy is to provide a comprehensive platform that not only teaches technical skills in baking and pastry, but also strengthens the financial, administrative and marketing capabilities of participants. This all brings our philosophy to life –C2- which means growing the client to grow ourselves.

Structure and content

According to Ricardo José Ruiz Alvarez, COCREO’s regional training coordinator, the academy is structured into three fundamental areas: Business Management, Baking and Pastry. Each area covers key aspects such as financial planning, production process optimization, marketing techniques and sales strategies. “Participants benefit from comprehensive training whereby they not only improve product quality, but also to effectively manage their daily operations,” he explains.

Program beginnings and evolution

In its early days, COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy had a small group of specialized instructors offering basic baking and business management courses. Over time, the program has evolved significantly, expanding its curriculum to 11 learning modules covering everything from advanced baking and pastry techniques to modern business management strategies. The teaching modality has shifted from being primarily in-person to include distance learning courses, thus adapting to the changing needs of modern entrepreneurs.

Pillars of education

The COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy offers a comprehensive training program as added value to its clients, designed to support different types of entrepreneurs in the baking and pastry sector. This program is divided into three main categories to adapt to the specific participant needs:

First off, the Entrepreneurs’ Program is aimed at those who wish to start a business in baked goods’ production. During 2023, more than 1,052 people benefited from this initiative at the regional level, receiving training in fundamental skills to manage their business.

In addition, the COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy offers Specialization Modules aimed at Molinos Modernos’ clients who already have an established business and are looking to further acquire professional training in advanced techniques and sector-specific business management. In 2023, 154 clients in the region successfully completed these modules, acquiring specialized knowledge that allows them to optimize their processes and improve the quality of their products.

Finally, free courses are designed for clients looking to explore trends, seasonal products, and profitable business strategies for their businesses. In 2023, 301 clients actively participated in these courses, benefiting from flexible learning adapted to changing market demands.

“The Baking and Pastry Academy is part of Molinos Modernos’ COCREO value proposition and welcomes entrepreneurs of diverse profiles and experience levels. No prior knowledge is required, only the will to learn and grow. After completing the program, graduates receive ongoing support through mentoring and technical advice programs, ensuring that they can successfully implement what they have learned in their businesses and thus grow together.” Ricardo José Ruiz Alvarez, COCREO Regional Training Coordinator.

Impact and benefits

The COCREO Baking and Pastry Academy has demonstrated a significant impact on the family economy of its participants. Many entrepreneurs have seen their ideas grow and become stronger thanks to the skills acquired in the program. An outstanding example is the case of Ingrid Villela, founder of Panadería Eugenia, who transformed her passion for baking into a prosperous business with the support and training of Cocreo.

These stories are a testament to COCREO’s commitment to empower entrepreneurs to achieve their professional and personal goals. Visit the Molinos Modernos GT Facebook page and fill out the form to apply for the different courses or contact us at our PBX: 2277-1616.

COCREO Future

Looking ahead, Molinos Modernos has ambitious plans through its value-added platform COCREO for continuous improvement. New initiatives are being explored to further strengthen each program, adapting them to market trends and emerging start-up needs.

For those considering joining COCREO, the message is clear: “With COCREO, you not only acquire technical knowledge, but you also join a community committed to your success. Here you will find the tools and support needed to turn your passion into a thriving business. Join us and together we will make your dream grow,” says Ruiz Alvarez.

COCREO is not only a training center; it is a catalyst of opportunities that promotes the sustainable growth of entrepreneurs in the baking and pastry industry in Guatemala.

CMI is led by Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, President Chairman of CMI Foods and Felipe Bosch Gutiérrez, President Chairman of CMI Capital, who reaffirm their commitment to continue investing to promote sustainable development, thereby creating the opportunity to grow together through programs and projects that care for the environment and promote entrepreneurship.