At a Glance
Location: Lima, Perú
Impact Area: Labor Inclusion
People Supported:
People with mixed abilities
Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2020
Overview
Even though there are 1 million people with disabilities of working age in Peru, employers often view them unfit to work. This limits the opportunities for people with disabilities to build careers that provide them with the income and independence needed to plan and steer their lives.
Empanacombi produces high quality empanadas, baked and frozen food products that are sold in coffee shops and convenience stores throughout the country, as well as through their own catering business. The enterprise was founded in 2012 by Cynthia Rodriguez and Carlos Sánchez after Cynthia's sister struggled with securing a job due to her mixed cognitive ability.
By training people with disabilities in baking and catering, Empanacombi supports them with accessing quality jobs, improving their livelihoods, and becoming more visible members of Peruvian society. Peruvian residents can find Empanacombi around the country and in businesses like Repsol.
Results & Impact
96
people with mixed abilities trained in catering services
20
people with mixed abilities employed by 2021
500
People with mixed abilities trained & placed in gastronomy jobs by 2021
“We are a social business that employs chefs with mixed abilities because we believe in the potential of this community when opportunities are offered. We also believe in the power of the kitchen, that is why we transform it into a space that adapts to its various diagnoses.”
NESsT Investment
Empanacombi is led by a strong entrepreneurial team committed to realizing transformational change in the lives of people with disabilities. This, alongside the experience and recognition that Empanacombi has gained over time for its employment model, has drawn an increasing number of notable clients, including Repsol, a well known national chain of convenience stores.
Empanacombi has created a culture where employees of mixed abilities work as equals, clients admire the products and services, and family members of people with disabilities witness an increased level of independence. With support from NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, the social enterprise will launch a training program with online courses to provide more people with mixed abilities the hard and soft skills they need to develop a career in gastronomy services. When training is complete, Empanacombi will also help course participants find employment opportunities.
During lockdown, Empanacombi established new sales strategies. After launching its e-commerce platform in October of 2020, the social enterprise began sharing its stories to promote labor inclusion across its digital channels. To better meet online demand, Empancombi also introduced new product lines including sweets, bread, and pre-packaged and frozen foods.
In 2021, NESsT will help the social enterprise to expand its presence in supermarkets, provide food services to businesses, and upgrade machinery to allow its employees with mixed abilities to work in a safe space that is adapted to their needs.