The Embárcate Program from El Puerto Cowork received 65 registrants

The Embárcate Program from El Puerto Cowork, implemented by Fundación Factor de Cambio with support from SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, was very well received. The program seeks to train entrepreneurs and empower individuals with early-stage business ideas. The initiative received a total of 65 registrants from different locations in the Antofagasta and Tarapacá regions, including María Elena, Quillagua, La Tirana and Pisagua.

Of the total number of participants, 54 were female and 11 were male. By district, 32 are from María Elena; 25 from Huara (mainly Pisagua); and 8 from Pozo Almonte (mainly La Tirana).

In terms of development level, 34 people have a business idea they want to develop, 19 a venture in the commercialization stage, 8 a business with sales every month and 4 no business idea but are looking for something to start.

Héctor Anabalón, a director at El Puerto Cowork and Fundación Factor de Cambio, commented: “In our field visits, we have seen major interest from these territories in developing business ventures. We are very pleased with the participation levels and encourage you to take full advantage of the tools that will be provided in each of the workshops. With this, we hope to make a contribution to both household economies and local production.”

For his part, Alejandro Fernández, head of Productive Development at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing communities and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in northern Chile, noting that “through our support of the Embárcate Program and El Puerto Cowork, we seek to generate concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs in Tarapacá and Antofagasta, providing them with tools and spaces to grow their businesses in a sustainable manner. We believe that entrepreneurship is a key driver for local development and this program is an example of how, working together, we can promote initiatives that generate a real impact on people’s lives and on production in the region.”

The Embárcate Program organizes workshops in each territory on topics like: “Skills for sustainable entrepreneurship and leadership”, “Business strategy and prototyping”, and “Financing, strategic alliances and pitches.”

Once completed, the projects will be presented to a jury for evaluation. One winner chosen from each location will receive Ch$1,000,000 to help implement his or her sustainable business project.