USA — TechnoServe has appointed Laura Harwig as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), strengthening its leadership team as the organization ramps up new initiatives to support small business ecosystems worldwide.
Harwig brings nearly 20 years of experience in international development, specializing in market systems, climate adaptation, and private-sector engagement.
She previously served as Vice President of Field Services at Fintrac Inc., where she oversaw large-scale donor-funded programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, working with millions of smallholder farmers.
In her new role, Harwig will oversee TechnoServe’s global operations and program delivery. The organization works in about 35 countries and focuses on market-based solutions to reduce poverty.
“We are thrilled to welcome a seasoned leader like Laura who brings both strategic vision and frontline experience to this new role,” said Will Warshauer, President and CEO of TechnoServe.
“At a time of change and challenge in global development, she will be a critical force in helping us deliver on our promise to enterprising farmers and entrepreneurs.”
Harwig has held senior roles on USAID programs including the Feed the Future Partnering for Innovation initiative and the Climate Adaptation Support Activity. Her work has involved deploying agricultural technologies at scale and integrating climate resilience across food systems.
“I’ve seen firsthand the power of locally driven, market-based approaches to development,” said Harwig.
“I’m honored to join TechnoServe, whose commitment to practical, lasting impact aligns so closely with my own.”
Harwig holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics from the College of William and Mary. She began her development career in Nairobi and has worked across four continents.
New digital training platform to strengthen local enterprise support
The leadership announcement coincides with TechnoServe’s launch of the Enterprise Development Academy, a digital platform aimed at equipping local enterprise support organizations (ESOs) in low- and middle-income countries.
Funded in part by a grant from the Argidius Foundation, the initiative addresses capacity gaps among nonprofits, government agencies, and local institutions providing services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The platform will offer training modules in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
The Academy incorporates TechnoServe’s methodologies and external tools like the Argidius SCALE toolkit. It will focus on key enterprise support areas including entrepreneur segmentation, business education, advisory services, impact evaluation, and data-driven service improvement.
“In our experience, strengthening local partners is essential for creating scalable and lasting impact,” said Juan Carlos Thomas, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and New Ventures at TechnoServe.
“By building the capacity of local ESOs, we are not just supporting individual businesses, but strengthening the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
During its initial four years, the platform is expected to enhance the capabilities of 199 ESOs and support approximately 20,000 enterprises. Broader distribution of its resources could expand that reach to 50,000 businesses within five years.
Evolving strategy amid changing funding dynamics
TechnoServe’s recent initiatives come at a time when U.S. foreign aid funding is facing widespread reductions. Despite this, the nonprofit reports that over two-thirds of its work is backed by a diverse mix of funders including corporations, global foundations, and non-U.S. governments.
In 2024, TechnoServe supported more than 1.2 million people in increasing their incomes, backed over 73,000 jobs, and delivered an estimated US$491 million in financial benefits to clients. Its enterprise development programs alone contributed an additional US$213 million in income for more than 300,000 people.
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe continues to focus on building sustainable market systems, regenerative farms, and profitable small businesses in low-income communities.