SWEET PROGRESS INC.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

SWEET PROGRESS, INC. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in rural Nicaraguan communities through sustainable economic development initiatives. The project uniquely combines NGO and university partnerships, leveraging honeybee production as the catalyst for empowerment by employing women and teenage cooperatives. Founded by Vincent Cosgrove as President, Michael Cosgrove as Secretary, and Ann Healy as Treasurer, SWEET PROGRESS has created a dynamic model capable of exponentially growing opportunities each month at an unprecedented pace. The initiative focuses on creating job opportunities through the establishment of a honey-producing ecosystem that supports various community businesses. This involves training women in multiple skills such as beekeeping, carpentry for constructing beehives and eco-toilets (eco-banos), sewing for bee protective clothing, and sanitation services to manage waste sustainably. Furthermore, these efforts lead to subsidiary industries like organic fertilizer production from humanure, which is then sold to local markets including agricultural and expatriate communities. With its incorporation in Florida on June 2, 2016, SWEET PROGRESS aims to take the concept of beekeeping economies beyond traditional models seen in Africa by approaching honey as a viable business. The initiative’s success relies heavily on integrating local talent into an interdependent network that promotes growth and supports families. SWEET PROGRESS is committed to self-sustainability with active efforts to introduce Nicaraguan-produced honey to global markets. Personal investments by founder Vincent Cosgrove, supported by his professional chef endeavors, underscore the drive towards a fully independent operation. For further information or inquiries, SWEET PROGRESS encourages engagement via its website at sweetprogress.com. The organization values community awareness and support, inviting individuals globally to connect, share, and contribute towards empowering these rural communities for long-lasting positive change.