Rafael Fernández, Deputy Director of the Positive Impact Department at Centrum PUCP, emphasized that the school’s mission is to foster the development of positive businesses for a better future, for the benefit of all.

Centrum PUCP is one of the allies of PERUMIN Inspira 2024. In the following interview, they share insights about the valuable support they provided to strengthen the skills of the participants and winners of the program, which promotes social impact ventures in the highlands and jungle regions of the country.

Why is it important for Centrum PUCP to contribute to the development of social impact ventures?

For Centrum PUCP, contributing to the development of social ventures is vital because it aligns with our school’s mission: "Positive business education for a better world."

We believe that social enterprises are a driving force for the country’s economy, improving the quality of life of the families involved while positively impacting their communities. This value generation at all levels is key to the human, social, and environmental prosperity we strive to promote. This is why we support initiatives such as PERUMIN Inspira.

What does the mentorship for PERUMIN Inspira winners entail?

The mentorship will be led by a Centrum PUCP professor with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business management. The sessions will begin with an initial diagnostic assessment of the venture. Then, in subsequent sessions, the mentor will work with the entrepreneur to develop strategies to address identified areas for improvement, giving the business the boost it needs to become sustainable over time and generate positive societal impact.

Do you think there is the need to further integrate social responsibility into Peruvian ventures and businesses?

Absolutely. While Peru has a high rate of entrepreneurship, most of these ventures are driven by the necessity to generate income in a labor market that cannot absorb the majority of the workforce. The other type of entrepreneurship, driven by “opportunity”, tends to be more competitive and better aligned with current demands for sustainability and positive impacts.

What do you suggest in order to improve this aspect?

A key role for universities and public policy is to promote better entrepreneurship education, create entrepreneurial ecosystems with access to capital, economic freedom, appropriate incentives, and reduced corruption—factors that foster more socially and environmentally responsible, as well as competitive, entrepreneurship.

How does your institution contribute to this goal?

At Centrum PUCP, through programs like PERUMIN Inspira, we aim, first, to raise awareness about social responsibility and sustainability and, second, to support entrepreneurs in innovating and taking their businesses to the next level.

Providing guidance and inspiring entrepreneurs toward a more meaningful purpose is essential. It motivates them to recognize that their projects can positively impact society while also being profitable as a source of income.

Are you involved in other initiatives that promote sustainable development?

Our school has developed numerous partnerships with public and private organizations, as well as nonprofit associations, to deliver training programs for micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners. These initiatives help participants scale their businesses.

Through these alliances, we also support young people in their final years of high school as they transition to higher education or enter the workforce. The goal is to provide access to quality education to as many people as possible, leveraging technology and creative models to scale our initiatives.

Do you have partnerships with mining-related programs that promote development and social responsibility?

While Centrum PUCP currently has 25 partnerships, our only collaboration with the mining sector is through PERUMIN Inspira. However, we are always open to establishing new relationships that allow us to combine efforts to make a positive impact in Peru and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.