By: Putumayo Chamber of Commerce
In Putumayo, a territory of challenges and opportunities, five initiatives have shown how effort, innovation and training for entrepreneurs strengthens production. Thanks to the Emprender y Crecer program, led by Amerisur and the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce, these organizations have strengthened their productive capabilities and consolidated sustainable business models that positively impact their communities.
Bidachii Artisanal Wine from Putumayo
Two young female leaders and entrepreneurs have started artisanal wine production in Putumayo, showing how agribusiness is a real alternative in the territory. Although the grape is not a native fruit to Putumayo, their perseverance has made Bidachii a symbol of innovation and resilience. Through the program, they received machinery that improves how the grapes are processed, and in a later stage they strengthened their production with an industrial container for winemaking. Today, they have created 6 jobs and are positioned more strongly, proudly taking the name of Putumayo to other countries.
SAZAM: Conservation and innovation with Amazonian fruit trees
SAZAM is building on the biodiversity that represents Putumayo’s wealth, and has revolutionized the use of Amazonian trees by incorporating their fruit into innovative recipes such as jams and cookies that win over customers in Colombia and abroad. Emprender y Crecer has helped the two young entrepreneurs behind SAZAM participate in 20 farmers’ markets and two trade fairs to strengthen their brand positioning and help them expand into new markets. Today, SAZAM not only works in the preservation of Amazonian fruit trees, and creates high value-added products from them.
GANUS: Dairy processing with regional identity
With the Putumayo seal of quality, GANUS is a business that creates high-value products by innovating in dairy transformation. With effort and dedication, the young people behind the company have created a foothold in highly competitive markets through opportunities provided by the Emprender y Crecer program such as business roundtables and trade fairs. They are currently working on market consolidation with local producers, strengthening the economy of Puerto Asis and guaranteeing the sustainability of their business.
Araza Biopark: Sustainable tourism with local identity
In the Puerto Asis village of Uribe Uribe, a small-scale farmer has turned his dream into reality with the Araza Biopark, a natural refuge that promotes Putumayo’s culture and biodiversity. The Emprender y Crecer program has significantly improved its infrastructure, giving its visitors safer and more comfortable access. The opportunity of brand visibility at fairs and markets has been key to attracting national and international customers, consolidating Araza’s proposal for sustainable tourism and authentic experiences.
Amazon Oasis Nursery: Reforestation and Environmental Innovation
The commitment to environmental conservation comes to life in the Amazon Oasis Nursery, a reforestation initiative that grows trees for timber from seed through innovative techniques such as the use of Californian worm hatcheries. This enterprise has increased its production by 50% on average and organic production by approximately 600 kilograms. Today, the Amazonian Oasis Nursery stands out as a benchmark in sustainability and environmental restoration in the region.
The Emprender y Crecer program has benefited more than 200 entrepreneurs from Putumayo, strengthening commercial capacities through training and consolidating productive units. This commitment to the development of the region’s economy promotes job creation and the growth of local business and competitiveness.
