Together with the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce, we have successfully completed the second phase of the Emprender y Crecer entrepreneurship program that promotes business development in Puerto Asis and in which more than 200 local entrepreneurs have taken part.
For nearly three years, Emprender y Crecer has driven the development of the Puerto Asis business ecosystem, providing strategic tools for digitalization, marketing, and productivity. The program has helped to consolidate businesses and to generate new opportunities for the regional economy.
The initiative arose in response to the need to support the recovery of the local economy following the Covid-19 pandemic and has evolved to strengthen business capacities and increase the incomes of productive organizations, business units and local suppliers in Puerto Asis, especially in the area between La Alea and La Rosa. The program represents our strong commitment to the promotion of local talent, recognizing how every entrepreneur can innovate and contribute to local progress. “We have seen how entrepreneurs have turned their ideas into solid businesses that generate employment and boost the local economy. We believe that the tools and knowledge they acquire in Emprender y Crecer will be very useful in consolidating a stronger and more resilient business environment in the region,” our Neighbor Relations Coordinator Mayrene Forero said.
Entrepreneurs have participated in different components of the program according to their initiatives’ needs and development stages. Figures show the impact of the program’s two phases: 50 companies trained in digital tools, 50 strengthened their commercial skills through fairs and business roundtables, and seed capital benefitted 101 ventures, of which 64% belong to entrepreneurs in rural areas of Puerto Asis. A further 29 companies participated in productivity workshops to optimize their processes, and 70 businesses took part in a business showcase for greater visibility.
The program also highlighted success stories that show its positive impact on local entrepreneurs through creating employment, promoting local commerce and sustainable business models in sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, environmental conservation and the transformation of regional products. Through activities like this, Emprender y Crecer leaves a legacy of capacities to promote local economic autonomy.
“Entrepreneurship and Growth is a clear example of how cross-sector coordination can generate real opportunities for entrepreneurs. We are proud to have built this path together with Amerisur, leaving a positive footprint in the region,” said Deccy Ibarra, Executive President of the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce.
The completion of the second phase marks the end of a growth cycle and the beginning of new challenges for local entrepreneurs. We thank each of our partners and participants for their commitment and encourage them to continue building a thriving business environment in the region.
