In an inspiring display of community support and social responsibility, Calsoft’s nonprofit, Mitra Path, has been making a significant difference in the lives of women in Brazil. Through their dedicated efforts, 40 women received comprehensive training in sewing and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills needed to generate sustainable income for themselves and their families.
About Mitra Path
Mitra Path is more than just a nonprofit initiative; it is part of Calsoft’s commitment to achieving B Corp certification, a rigorous standard awarded to companies that meet the highest social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency criteria. This certification underscores Calsoft’s dedication to using business as a force for good, aligning its operations with values that prioritize positive impact alongside profit.
Aligned with B Lab’s mission, Calsoft’s Mitra Path initiative exemplifies its commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods globally. By supporting initiatives like COLETIVO SABER EM ARTE in Campinas City, Mitra Path addresses pressing societal challenges through programs that promote mindfulness and entrepreneurship. These initiatives not only empower individuals with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge but also contribute to building resilient communities.
Through mindfulness practices and entrepreneurship training, Mitra Path encourages leaders and professionals to take purposeful action in their business endeavors, driving positive change and enhancing community well-being. By partnering with projects like COLETIVO SABER EM ARTE, Calsoft demonstrates its dedication to using business practices to create meaningful social impact, supporting initiatives that empower women and promote economic sustainability.
The COLETIVO SABER EM ARTE Initiative
Located in Campinas City, northwest of Sao Paulo, the COLETIVO SABER EM ARTE addresses the challenges faced by rural communities in Amarais, such as high unemployment, poor housing, and violence due to poverty. The COLETIVO aims to create sustainable livelihoods through art and entrepreneurship, empowering women to reduce economic and social vulnerability, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Core Activities
1. The Solidarity Fair
The Solidarity Fair in Amarais provides local entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their handmade products. With 50 registered entrepreneurs, this fair is a vibrant expression of Amarais culture and is widely supported by the Department of Culture. Plans are underway to expand the fair to reach a larger market, increasing sales potential for women entrepreneurs. The COLETIVO aims to invest more in entrepreneurship training, allowing women to gain real-world experience and enhance their business skills.
2. Sewing Course
The COLETIVO’s sewing course equips women with practical skills and fosters enthusiasm for financial independence and leadership. By the end of the course, participants will have created products to sell at the market and will have learned essential entrepreneurship lessons, including pricing, advertising, customer service, and ethics. The Housing Department donated sewing machines, furniture, supplies, and initial instructor compensation to kickstart the class. However, additional funds were needed to develop the curriculum and execute the course, which is where Mitra Path stepped in.
Mitra Path’s Support
Mitra Path’s funding allowed the COLETIVO to develop a personalized program for entrepreneurs, which included:
- Development and implementation of each entrepreneur’s business plan.
- Providing a small initial amount of “seed funding” for each business.
- Mentoring for each entrepreneur.
- Ensuring the continuity of the program by providing instructor pay for new groups.
For more exciting details of the progress, visit Mitra Path’s webpage.
Conclusion
The Mitra Path initiative by Calsoft stands as a testament to the profound impact that community support and social responsibility can have on individuals and communities. Through comprehensive training in sewing and entrepreneurship, 40 women in Brazil have been empowered with the skills needed to generate sustainable income for themselves and their families.
Aligned with Calsoft’s journey towards B Corp certification, Mitra Path exemplifies a commitment to using business as a catalyst for positive change, fostering sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the broader goal of building thriving, inclusive societies. Through partnerships like COLETIVO SABER EM ARTE, Mitra Path continues to pave the way for meaningful transformation, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential while making a lasting impact on societal well-being.