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Since its founding, more than Ch$1,000,000,000,000 in public and private funding has been secured for entrepreneurs
Outstanding entrepreneurs from Tocopilla, Calama, María Elena, Quillagua, Antofagasta and Iquique, together with various institutions and organizations from the local business development ecosystem, were recognized at the seventh anniversary celebration for El Puerto Cowork, an initiative implemented by Fundación Factor de Cambio and supported by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition.
At the event, awards were given to those who have been part of various emblematic El Puerto Cowork programs, such as Embárcate, Desafíos de Sostenibilidad and ADN Sostenible, as well as to entrepreneurs who have excelled at showrooms or local trade fairs, and to those who have been present at international activities such as EXPONOR in Antofagasta and EtMday North Valley in Santiago.
The celebration also included other important moments, such as the signing of a collaboration agreement between SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition and the regional office of the National Technical Cooperation Service (Sercotec) in Antofagasta to develop local suppliers for the industry.
Héctor Anabalón, Executive Director of El Puerto Cowork and Fundación Factor de Cambio, commented: “The dream of building a space for entrepreneurs in Tocopilla was born in 2016, materialized in 2018 and then expanded to the regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá. As a token of gratitude, we wanted to recognize the work and commitment of the individuals who have walked alongside us over the years, built businesses, formed alliances and expanded commercially.”
Gloria Cartagena, Head of Public Affairs at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, remarked, “We are celebrating the anniversary of El Puerto Cowork in Tocopilla, which has achieved great collaborative public-private alliances to promote and encourage entrepreneurial development, and today we are taking a new step to promote local suppliers in the regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá.”
One of the institutions recognized was Sercotec Antofagasta, for its willingness to work collaboratively and its commitment to local entrepreneurs. Its regional director, Kevyn Galleguillos, said, “We are deeply pleased and happy to be part of this initiative, to have had a chance to work with the professionals at El Puerto Cowork. We are confident that this will lead to economic development in the short, medium and long term, with a positive impact on our region.”
Testimonials
Entrepreneurs from various fields that have been supported in the start-up stage or further along in their commercial development were honored at the ceremony. Estefania Guerra of Sokai Paddles, commented, “It is very inspiring to have received this award, as it encourages us to not give up, and confirms that our venture has a future. It is like saying ‘don’t throw in the towel, keep going, this is going to work.’”
According to Fernando Salinas, founder of Planeta Agrícola, “working with El Puerto Cowork has been very rewarding, very satisfying, as we have achieved important milestones in recent years, such as launching our home line and venturing into retail space, even expanding to other parts like Tarapacá or giving workshops to students in schools. All this progress has been achieved hand in hand with this beautiful ecosystem. I am grateful for the award. Congratulations for these seven years.”
Giovanna Claros of Empoderadas al Volante, also shared her impressions: “The Cowork team is made up of great people and professionals. It feels like a family, from the moment you arrive with an idea until you are encouraged through training. Everything has been extremely useful for my business, so that women can drive more confidently, more safely and not only be empowered behind the wheel of their cars, but also behind the wheel of their lives.”
At the event, organizers also honored people and media outlets that have helped promote and draw attention to local entrepreneurship, and announced El Puerto Cowork’s budding line of work to develop suppliers for the industry.
