More than 50 entrepreneurs participated in the first face-to-face meeting organized by Codelco División El Teniente for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MiPyMEs). The initiative was implemented by Gestión Social and the Simón de Cirene corporation, within the framework of the corporate program “Juntos emprendimos de local”.

Carlos Vásquez, Community Development Supervisor for El Teniente, said that “it is important that local suppliers participate, since they not only encourage the hiring of local companies, but also increase the inclusion of local labor.”

During the day, the current requirements and specific support provided by the program were explained. “We want many more local suppliers to participate in our businesses. This brings our area closer to the suppliers,” explained Nancy Coronado, business manager of the El Teniente Supply Department.

Gustavo Romero, entrepreneur and founder of ROVI Solar, celebrated that “this network of local entrepreneurs helps us to expand and become known as a company.” While Iván Jorquera, a beekeeper from Doñihue, added that “it is a business opportunity, it can open doors for me in the future.”

Encouraging regional development

During the event, various entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their business and show their products to create links with other companies present.

“With this program, as a company we can connect with the community. Through the program we can establish this connection, strengthen and reach a greater number of entrepreneurs through contracting companies,” said Alberto Cepeda, specialist consultant of the Management and Supervision of Contracting Companies Directorate of El Teniente.

Teodoro Schmidt, senior specialist in Codelco's Social Management Department, said that "instances like this are opened because they are key for local suppliers to have a network of connections among themselves."

This initiative is part of the sustainable development commitments that Codelco has been promoting towards 2030, which include the development of territories.