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Entrepreneurs Strengthen their Businesses Through the “Activa Pisagua” Program
For three months the selected participants were coached and trained in various subjects related to entrepreneurship to equip them with skills, knowledge and aptitudes to positively impact local economic development.
More than 30 million pesos in supplies and implements were given to 15 entrepreneurs from Pisagua as part of the closing of the first version of the Activa Pisagua Program, an initiative developed together with Universidad Arturo Prat (UNAP) as part of SQM’s robust Corporate Sustainability Plan. It seeks to contribute to the development of businesses with high growth potential, create and strengthen new local suppliers and strengthen collaboration by supporting community initiatives and entrepreneurship.
As explained by Pablo Pisani, Director of Communities and Public Affairs for SQM’s Nitrate and Iodine businesses, at the recognition ceremony for the entrepreneurs: “We are sharing a very important moment with local entrepreneurs, who have participated in an important training process and are now receiving the tools that will enable them to consolidate their businesses. I am pleased to be concluding a very solid process for these first beneficiaries, who now have a responsibility as pioneers of what is to come in this area.
In addition, the executive highlighted the commitment of each of the members of the Pisagua Working Group, where “the foundations were laid for this initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship and a very important vision was developed that represented each of the organizations making up the group. In this way we are contributing to the creation of shared social value in the area,” he added.
In July of this year, the residents of Pisagua witnessed the signing of an agreement between SQM and Universidad Arturo Prat (UNAP) to launch this program, opening up development opportunities for the local residents.
In this context, Raúl Zúñiga, General Director of Innovation and Development at UNAP, remarked, “The Sercotec Tamarugal Business Center is proud to have participated in the Activa Program, which formed, trained and provided technical assistance and financing to entrepreneurs and artisan fishermen and harvest divers in the town of Pisagua. Through the Sercotec Tamarugal Business Center, UNAP will continue to support and promote regional SMEs.”
Tamara Marín, founder of the business venture “Pisagua Sumergido” commented during the ceremony that “this initiative is greatly appreciated. With this SQM program, we benefited from new and upgraded diving equipment, which is essential to providing good service. We have been working in Pisagua for 8 years and we hope to expand our offer, continue to improve and provide quality service.”
The Municipality of Huara, represented by the municipal administrator, Juan Francisco Retamal, was also present during the closing ceremony and presentation of resources. He highlighted the initiative, commenting that “individual development is community development, and from this point of view, SQM’s involvement with UNAP in this town is very important. Believing in entrepreneurs fills us with joy. The private sector set its sights here and certified 15 residents. We hope to continue working on various projects that will directly benefit local families.
Finally, Dan Rivera, a local artisan fisherman, also recognized the importance of this program, which benefited local divers and fishermen with its third line of financing. “The contribution I received is a boost, since I bought a boat, but I need to coat it with fiberglass and repair it, some finishing touches. I will also receive nets and fishing implements, which will allow me to generate more income for me and my family.”
The mining company announced that it will continue to work together with the entrepreneurs of this town during 2023 on this and similar initiatives, with the clear objective of helping improve quality of life for the families of El Tamarugal.