The Unfinished Chapter: How Swiss EP Empowered an Entrepreneur to Rewrite His Story

For Swiss EP, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program embodies a philosophy: the power of human connection. We bridge knowledge and experience with developing ecosystems, fostering growth through mentorship. EIRs – experienced startup investors, founders, and/or supporters – generously share their expertise, a vital exchange in frontier markets cultivating an entrepreneurial and ‘give-back’ mindset.

Launched in 2018, the EIR program's early success was paused by the pandemic. However, in late 2024 the initiative was officially back in Peru with Craig Chavis's inspiring story.

Craig’s EIR mission was a homecoming, deeply resonating due to its personal motivations. Referred by a trusted local partner, Craig's connection to Peru stemmed from years in the US Peace Corps. He wasn’t just visiting; he was revisiting a beloved place. This passion had fueled a previous venture: a distillery celebrating local fruits and Peruvian Pisco – investing in local economy and culture.

As those in entrepreneurship know- it has its trials. The pandemic brought a devastating setback: Following complications with the lease agreement, Craig's distillery business closed, prompting his return to the US, leaving a cliffhanger ending. "I felt like my story in Peru wasn't finished", Craig confessed.

Swiss EP stepped in perfectly, seeing in Craig not just a skilled entrepreneur, but someone who understood Peru and was eager to contribute. Connecting and learning his experience, we identified a match: strengthening communication and pitching skills within partner organizations, tapping into Craig’s resilience to inspire local teams.

Over five weeks, Craig's impact rippled across Peru, reaching Arequipa and Piura, his former hometown, collaborating with 17 organizations. As often happens with EIRs, engagement expanded its scope, addressing organizational processes through dialogue on communication. Craig also had the opportunity to immerse himself in Lima Tech Week events, further strengthening his connections to the ecosystem.

Craig found something even more valuable in this experience: the opportunity to close a chapter and reaffirm his connection with Peru’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Returning to Peru as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence was more than just sharing knowledge—it was a chance to see how much I had grown since my last time here. It reminded me that past challenges don’t define our future; they prepare us to contribute with greater clarity and purpose”, he reflected. His authenticity and experience in the local context allowed him to quickly build trust, creating enriching learning spaces for startup program leads, founders, and himself.

His dedication resonated, evidenced by a remarkable NPS of 100. Brunella Alatrista from Wichay Continental highlighted: "The mission with Craig reaffirmed the importance of approaching entrepreneurship holistically, considering all its dimensions—from business strategy and innovation to social impact and the personal growth of entrepreneurs. His experience has been a powerful inspiration to continue strengthening the value we bring to the programs we lead."

The experience also sparked interest from other professionals in his network, leading to new expert connections for Swiss EP, with one mission to Peru already being planned for Q3 2025.

Craig's journey, a living testament to Swiss EP's dedication to people, illuminates the transformative power of connection. His experience underscores that by sharing, collaborating, and giving back, we write the future of thriving entrepreneurial landscapes.