Veronica Juna

I am an entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development specialist with more than 15 years of experience designing, implementing, and strengthening support programs for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and innovation ecosystems in Ecuador and Latin America.

I am currently part of IMPAQTO Labs, where I lead and support initiatives focused on business development, innovation, sustainability, and impact. My work brings together public institutions, private companies, universities, and international cooperation organizations to turn ideas and challenges into practical solutions that contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy.

Throughout my career, I have developed and implemented methodologies for pre-incubation, incubation, technical assistance, mentoring, access to finance, and market connections. I have also led initiatives related to seed capital, social innovation, the bioeconomy, sustainable business, and capacity building for entrepreneurs and producer organizations.

I hold a degree in Business Administration from the Central University of Ecuador, a postgraduate specialization in Business Creation, and a master’s degree in Business Management from Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar. I also hold a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Initiatives from the University of Salamanca and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation from the University of Beira Interior in Portugal. I complemented my academic background through international entrepreneurship and methodology-transfer programs supported by KOICA, KDI, and Soongsil University in South Korea.

I am the author of *How to Improve Quito’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem*, published by Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, and I have contributed to research and publications on entrepreneurship ecosystems, innovation, and productive development. I have also led initiatives connected to GEIAL Quito, contributing to the assessment, coordination, and improvement of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

My experience includes managing entrepreneurship programs and competitive funding initiatives, as well as building partnerships with universities, international organizations, companies, public institutions, and business support organizations. I have supported entrepreneurs at different stages of development, from validating ideas and business models to accessing finance, strengthening commercial strategies, and measuring results.

I firmly believe that entrepreneurship and innovation are powerful tools for transforming communities and creating opportunities. My professional purpose is to empower changemakers and help make Latin America a more equitable, collaborative, and sustainable region.