How CMI promotes entrepreneurial success: the story of Panadería Eugenia bakery

CMI supports entrepreneurs through initiatives such as COCREO. This program has been key for many ventures to grow, such as Ingrid Villela’s, who founded “Panadería Eugenia” with her family.

 CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones is committed to entrepreneurial development and growth through our various initiatives.

One of them is COCREO, the Pastry and Bakery Academy of Molinos Modernos, part of CMI Foods, whose main objective is to support small business owners with training and essential resources to enable their business success.

COCREO is a sample of the way we promote entrepreneurship and innovation at CMI. This program began in 1998 and has supported the professional development of 130,000 people in Central America and the Dominican Republic to date, through comprehensive development and constant support with which new entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level.

Panadería Eugenia: inspiration and perseverance

The story of Ingrid Villela and Panadería Eugenia shows the value of perseverance and dedication. Located in San Vicente Pacaya, Escuintla, south of Guatemala, Panadería Eugenia opened its doors almost a year ago with the mission of offering high-quality bread to the local community. The name of the bakery is a tribute to Ingrid’s mother, Eugenia, an example of determination for the family.

“As siblings, never discussed the name. Our mother has always been a guide of perseverance and struggle,” Ingrid shares with us.

The development of Ingrid and her family’s business was not free from challenges. With no prior experience in the bakery industry, they decided to train and learn from scratch.  There they found Molinos Modernos‘  helping hand through a training opportunity and the necessary support through the Training Center. This step was crucial for Panadería Eugenia to open its doors and offer fresh, high-quality products daily.

“In the process of finding the equipment, they facilitated contact with the Molinos Modernos Training Center (COCREO) and enrolled us in the entrepreneurship course. The truth is that they helped us to take the plunge,” explains Ingrid.

Recognition and commitment to sustainable development

Ingrid’s and her family’ effort and dedication did not go unnoticed. At an event organized by Molinos Modernos and Cocreo, Panadería Eugenia was awarded the Entrepreneurs of the Year award, a recognition that celebrates their commitment and success in the industry.

“They called us from Molinos Modernos to invite us to an event, and there we were surprised to receive the Entrepreneurs of the Year award. That made us very happy because we were not expecting it, and other people see the effort, so that is nice,” Ingrid says proudly.

Committed to the future

At CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones, we believe in the opportunity to grow together, inspired by the entrepreneurial legacy of Mr. Juan Bautista Gutiérrez, our founder. The third generation of the family currently leads the family business through its Chairmen Presidents Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez and Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga. Stories like Ingrid’s and Panadería Eugenia are a clear example of how the right support and perseverance can transform lives and communities.

Our mission is to continue promoting sustainable development and offer more entrepreneurs the tools and support needed for their businesses to prosper, to continue to produce positive impact on people, families and communities for 100 more years.