Maya-Speaking Artisans Gain Business Skills in Bilingual Program

José María Morelos — A pioneering initiative titled “Business Management in Indigenous Languages” is providing Maya-speaking artisans and rural entrepreneurs with essential skills to formalize and grow their businesses. The bilingual course, conducted in both Spanish and Yucatec Maya, aims to strengthen economic development in indigenous communities by addressing barriers such as language access and financial literacy.

Bridging the Gap for Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Hilario Chí Canul, a professor and researcher of Yucatec Maya, explained that the program teaches participants how to organize a business, identify market needs, and improve customer service.

“The customer tells us a lot: what products they buy, how much they can spend, what their preferences are. Listening to them is key to improving and innovating in what we offer,” Chí Canul emphasized.

The training covers foundational topics such as business planning, recognizing local opportunities, and client relations. It primarily targets women artisans, honey producers, embroiderers, and small-scale vendors who operate in low-resource settings with limited formal education.

Challenges in Formalization

One of the program’s key hurdles is guiding participants toward formalizing their businesses. Many entrepreneurs hesitate due to fears about tax procedures or lack of familiarity with legal frameworks.

“Many don’t know how to read or write, as we recently saw in Sabán. The challenge is twofold: first, ensuring the tax authority (SAT) communicates in Maya, and second, acknowledging the high illiteracy rates that still exist,” Chí Canul stressed.

He urged institutions to employ Maya-language interpreters to improve accessibility. “If I, as a professional, struggle to gather the requirements to register with the tax office, how much harder is it for someone who doesn’t understand the language or the process?” he questioned.

Expanding Reach

The program will extend to other municipalities, offering practical tools to microenterprises operating in Maya. Despite systemic barriers, these small businesses remain vital economic drivers in their communities.