IOM Recognition

Recognition for Livistona Designs and support from the EDF Fund for a new workshop

Guatemala City — September 26, 2025

During an event held at the Children's Museum of Guatemala, fifteen Guatemalan companies were recognized for their potential to transform lives, generate quality employment, and strengthen local economies, within the framework of an innovative program led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This program, supported by the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and create job opportunities, especially for returnees and communities at risk of irregular migration.

We were recognized by the IOM as one of Guatemala's leading microenterprises for our contribution to combating forced migration by generating decent work and real opportunities for Guatemalan artisans. This recognition highlights our social work and the sustained positive impact Livistona Designs has had on vulnerable communities, promoting local economic development and labor inclusion.

The program, after a rigorous six-month selection process that evaluated more than 50 companies, chose 15 businesses from various sectors—construction, food service, manufacturing, and services—based on their high growth potential and ability to create quality jobs. Thanks to an allocation from the EDF Fund and the financial commitment of the participating companies, more than 150 new jobs have already been created, including opportunities for returning migrants and Guatemalans in vulnerable situations.

The IOM Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) is an initiative that provides non-reimbursable grants and technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises with high potential to create employment and strengthen their capacities, with amounts that have been increasing according to needs and local context.

Support for the construction of the new Livistona workshop

As part of this strategic push, Livistona Designs has received support from the EDF Fund for the construction of its new production workshop, a space designed to expand its production capacity, integrate technological improvements, and offer more jobs with decent working conditions. This new workshop will allow us to consolidate our social and productive vision, while strengthening the local economic fabric and expanding opportunities for artisans seeking a sustainable future in Guatemala.

As our director states:
“Even the grandest vision requires the humblest labor.”