Colombia -  Mini Market 2X3, a quick-mart franchise, this week received the Emprender Paz 2013 (Embark On Peace 2013) award, Colombia’s most prestigious public recognition for social corporate responsibility.

The project, which was commended for its creativity, sustainability and community impact, is implemented by the Government of Colombia, with support from IOM, and aims to reintegrate former combatants.

“We wanted to encourage initiatives that were meeting four specific prerequisites: high community impact; contributing to a culture of peace; long-term sustainability and ease of replication; and a solid relationship between the project and the private sector,” said Eduardo Villar Borrero, President of the Social Foundation, a member of the judging committee and co-founder of the Emprender Paz Award.

The Mini Market 2x3 initiative is headed by the Colombian Reintegration Agency (ACR), with support from USAID, IOM, Fenalco Atlántico and Coltabaco, and is helping 46 ex-combatants participating in the government’s reintegration process to set up small businesses.

The training includes drafting a business plan, setup, maintenance and administration of the quick-mart franchises.

“I never imagined I would see this day. Thanks to all of the organizations supporting us, we are realizing our dream of being small business owners.  The Mini Market 2x3 has changed our lives while contributing to peace in Colombia,” said Ángela, a beneficiary in the town of Sincelejo.

So far the Mini Market 2x3 initiative consists of 15 shops.  The beneficiaries receive the seed money from ACR, while Fenalco Atlántico provides two years of business administration, customer service, marketing and accounting training to ensure sustainability.

IOM, USAID, ACR, and Coltabaco guarantee financial sustainability through grants totaling over 1.1 million Colombian Pesos (USD 585,000) and provide technical advice to generate sales and ensure complete reconciliation with the communities where the stores are located.

“We are very proud to receive this prestigious award and to know that our work is making a profound difference in the lives of so many.  This is the sixth year in a row that USAID/IOM projects have received the Emprender Paz Award,” said Marcelo Pisani, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Colombia.

The award goes to companies and organizations committed to peace building in Colombia and to those carrying out significant social work, benefiting communities affected by the violence generated by illegal armed groups.

Under IOM’s Community Oriented Reintegration of Ex-combatants Programme (CORE), 75 per cent of the 1,663 people assisted so far have received training and support to find employment; 37 per cent  have received psychosocial assistance; 35 per cent  have received job training; 30 per cent  received training, evaluation, and/or financing to create or strengthen small businesses; 4 per cent  opted to continue their education; and 1 per cent  were employed by private firms working with IOM to employ demobilized personnel.

So far, more than 55,000 illegal combatants have demobilized – 32,000 who were members of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), demobilized collectively between 2003 and 2006, and the remaining 23,000 from other guerrilla groups.

Some of the requirements for government-assisted demobilization include: voluntary participation in the government reintegration programme; non-recidivism; signing an agreement to tell the truth, which will contribute to the central archives of the armed conflict; and carrying out community service in host communities, all with the goal of complete reconciliation. 

IOM’s CORE Programme is funded by USAID and the governments of Canada, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

 For more information please contact

Jadin Vergara
IOM Colombia
Tel: 571 639 7777 Ext. 1219
Email: jvergara@iom.int