Our Journey & Evolution

Since last year, we have successfully implemented EP Cards within Cuba. These cards have allowed our package distributors to purchase fuel and enabled local business owners to maintain a steady flow of supplies for their enterprises.

Building on this success, we presented a proposal to EP Financial Services to integrate these cards into the Humanitarian Channel we have operated for the past six years. Our goal is to facilitate the purchase of food and essentials through both official channels and private local businesses (MiPymes).

Our Strategic Goals

• Affordability: We are developing a membership program to lower costs, providing a more efficient alternative to traditional cash remittances.
• Strengthening Business Networks: By integrating EP financial services into the local business community, we reduce the high costs of moving capital outside of Cuba to purchase supplies.
• Direct Sourcing: EP Cards allow communities to purchase supplies directly from abroad, increasing the volume of cargo transported straight to local distribution zones.
• Environmental & Logistical Efficiency: By flying directly to regional distribution hubs, we significantly reduce the fuel consumption previously required to transport cargo overland from Havana.
• Miami Fulfillment Center: We are establishing a packing center in Miami to provide immediate processing for orders placed by our Community Sales Agents.

The EP Card is a powerful tool for financial autonomy. 

Here is how it changes the landscape:

• Reliability: Funds are accessible immediately. Unlike other systems, recharges are not affected by Cuba’s energy grid fluctuations.
• Community Empowerment: When a family member becomes a Community Sales Agent, they help their neighbors acquire essentials directly. These agents earn income through financial and distribution services rather than acting as predatory resellers.
• The Canadian Advantage: Many Cubans do not have relatives abroad to request a card for them. As a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor up to three families per account, providing them with a lifeline they otherwise couldn't access.
• Low Risk for Sponsors: Because the EP Card is a pre-paid card, it represents zero financial risk to the Canadian account holder while providing total autonomy to the entrepreneur in Cuba.

The SECOLO & EP Card Journey

Logistical Advantages: Faster, Cheaper, Better

Our model focuses on regional consolidation to pass savings onto the consumer:

• Direct Flights: Once we reach a threshold of 800 orders (50 lbs each) for a specific region, we trigger a direct flight to that zone. This bypasses the delays and extra fuel costs of routing through Havana.
• Increased Frequency: By combining demand from provinces like Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas, we can fill planes faster and supply needs more frequently.
• Wholesale Savings: Consolidating essential product orders allows us to buy in bulk from U.S. distributors, significantly lowering the final price for families in Cuba.

Conclusion

The SECOLO Project, backed by EP Financial Services, is a catalyst for Cuban local development. Together, we are transforming humanitarian logistics into a revolutionary, efficient, and community-centered system.