“Sustainability Challenges” opens the application process for entrepreneurs and business owners from Antofagasta and Tarapacá

The “Sustainability Challenges” program aims to promote the best ideas or business projects with strong social and environmental components. Organized by El Puerto Cowork and the La Semilla Foundation, in partnership with Hub Tarapacá, the bi-regional program is the first of its kind in northern Chile.

Who can apply? Entrepreneurs and companies from the Antofagasta and Tarapacá regions that have sustainable business ideas in one of four challenge areas: “Supporting business in local communities,” “Preserving the environment,” “Circular economy – new lives” and “Urban and rural life.” See the terms and apply via the website: www.desafiosdesostenibilidad.cl

Participants who pass the first round will have access to several business training courses. Then, 40 projects will be selected to attend a BootCamp workday and receive Ch$200,000 to develop their prototype.

Patricio Fernández, Office Manager at El Puerto Cowork, encouraged applications: “We invite you to think about the ideas and projects that your communities and surroundings need, focusing on social impact and respect for the environment. We hope you will take your time on the application, but be sure to submit it soon because the deadline is July 23^rd.

The program will end with a Pitch Day. The top five projects will be awarded Ch$500,000, Ch$1 million, Ch$2 million, Ch$3.5 million and Ch$5 million, respectively.

Pablo Pisani, Director of Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs at SQM, commented: We are very committed to this program, the first of its kind in northern Chile. It is aligned with our corporate Sustainability Plan, which includes environmental targets and commitments and focuses on creating shared social value in the communities surrounding our operations.

Launch

Barbarita Lara, a technological and social innovator who has earned several national and international distinctions, participated in the online “Sustainability Challenges” launch event. Oscar Muñoz, the founder of Green Glass, a company that created circular relationships with recyclers who collect trash and recycling centers, also participated.

The initiative receives collaboration from the Antofagasta Regional Government’s Promotion of Production and Industry Division, the Taltal Station, the Antofagasta Campus of Inacap, Sercotec Antofagasta and Tarapacá, the Antofagasta regional official from the Energy Ministry, the Tarapacá regional official from the Environment Ministry and Territorio Abierto.