Three friends in Guayaquil, Ecuador, who gained online attention for their dedication to selling salchipapas (a popular Ecuadorian street food) despite heavy rain, are now working to formalize their business after facing a complaint about street vending.
After a municipal control agent issued a warning against street vending, the entrepreneurs adapted by operating from a balcony and offering home delivery. They express sadness and uncertainty about who filed the complaint.
The Ministry of Production, alongside the National Institute of Popular and Solidarity Economy (IEPS), visited the entrepreneurs and offered support for formalization. This includes assistance with obtaining a tax ID (RUC), registering in the National Entrepreneurship Registry (RNE), and receiving training in branding, trademark registration, and food safety.
The business, named 'Salchipepas,' was created by three friends who were unemployed. One of the friends, Joffre Jorgge, highlights his need for work to care for his disabled elderly father, motivating the venture.