COSTA RICAN WBES FOCUSING ON HEALTHY LIVING WIN FREE CONSULTING SUPPORT FROM EY

May 21, 2014 – Rossella Selmi,  owner of La Pequeña Granja, and María Claudia Vargas, owner of The Gluten Free Factory, are the winners in an innovative contest co-organized by WEConnect International and Corporate Member Ernst & Young for WEConnect International-certified WOBs in Costa Rica.

Each entrepreneur will receive 100 hours of free consulting from Ernst & Young designed to refine their professional skills and business know- how.

La Pequeña Granja markets natural cosmetics produced from goat milk. The Gluten Free Factory specializes in gluten free products for individuals with celiac disease and other gluten-generated conditions, as well as other offerings for a healthy diet, including cookies, pasta and sauces. She currently exports to China and Canada and hopes to explore the US market soon.

Costa Rican Vice President Ana Helena Chacón, Director of BN Banca Mujer María Aminta Quirce, and Ernst & Young Managing Partner Advisory Services Carlos Gallegos attended the ceremony held May 19th in San José to announce the results of the contest and announce the two winners to the media and the audience.

Delegates from The US Embassy, and Manpower, who were part of the Evaluating Committee tasked with selecting the winners, were also present.

During the event, Vice President Chacón and Quirce stressed the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs in Costa Rica. Additionally, the Vice President praised the collaboration between Ernst & Young and WEConnect International on behalf of the Costa Rican government and stressed that discrimination continues to lose ground.

“We are proud of our certified women entrepreneurs and very grateful to Ernst & Young for their continued support of WEConnect International,” said Antonina Sequeira, Director of WEConnect International in Costa Rica.