Rural markets, business roundtables and regional fairs are fundamental shop windows for the participants in the Emprender y Crecer entrepreneurship program that the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce promotes alongside GeoPark subsidiary Amerisur, which has operations in Putumayo. These initiatives have allowed small producers and local entrepreneurs to make their products known, access new customers and strengthen their position regionally and nationally.
These spaces are not just a marketing opportunity and contribute to promoting real economic development for many entrepreneurs, generating significant income and alternative products for people in Puerto Asis. Entrepreneurs learn improve their business skills, presenting their products more attractively, negotiating prices and building customer loyalty.
Results of business skills training
Results of the different business strategies that Emprender y Crecer has promoted since 2022 to strengthen rural entrepreneurs’ capabilities include:
– Local and regional fairs: 8 events in total in which more than 20 entrepreneurs have participated, accumulating sales of more than 60 million pesos
– Local business roundtables: 5 in total with the participation of 5 companies, achieving over 70 million pesos in sales
– Farmers’ markets: 16 in total with sales of more than 115 million pesos for the 35+ entrepreneurs that attended
– In the last year, entrepreneurs in the program have taken part in 12 farmers’ markets, achieving total sales to date of over 78 million pesos
The economic impact of these activities has allowed businesses to become more sustainable and competitive, strengthening local productive capacities and promoting the economic development of rural communities in Puerto Asis.
Voices of Our Partners is a feature that shares stories, reflections, and inspiring ideas from our partners who work with us to contribute to the development of the regions in which we operate. In this edition, our guest from the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce shares an insight into the Emprender & Crecer program, through which we promote economic development in Puerto Asis.
