GeoPark, Putumayo Chamber of Commerce support economic development in Puerto Asis with 2nd stage of entrepreneurship program

To continue promoting the Puerto Asis economy by strengthening local businesses, GeoPark subsidiary La nueva Amerisur and the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce have launched the second phase of the ‘Emprender y Crecer’ entrepreneurship program. In its first phase, this program helped to strengthen 137 companies of which 30% were in the rural area of the municipality, and the second phase targets helping another 85 companies.

This two-year-old program provides local entrepreneurs and businesspeople with specialized support to define investment proposals, develop business plans, strengthen their digital capabilities, and promote their sales and productivity.

The first phase of the program trained 120 businesspeople to develop investment proposals and business plans, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their ventures. It also supported the consolidation of 61 rural and urban businesses through seed capital financing and other economic incentives. Phase 1 also reinforced the business capacities of 30 entrepreneurs, improving their use of technological tools for administration and accounting. In the area of marketing, 20 producers accessed new markets through events that enables the direct sale of their products.

“Excited by the positive impact we achieved with by implementing the Emprende y Crecer program, today we announce the continuity of this initiative with which we reaffirm our commitment to Puerto Asis entrepreneurs and businesspeople,” GeoPark Neighbor Relations Coordinator Mayrene Forero said during the Phase 2 launch. “During this new phase, we will work to further expand a network of stronger businesses that create opportunities for the region.”

Businessman Raul Eduardo Zambrano, who participated in the first phase and who lives in the rural La Alea-La Rosa area of Puerto Asis, highlighted how his business has grown since he joined the program. “Thanks to Emprende y Crecer I managed to get a boat that has allowed me to increase the agricultural production capacity of my company, since I can now use it to move my products and reach more customers, while saving on transport costs. Anybody interested should participate in this program, which allows us to help our territory grow through our businesses.”

“Emprende y Crecer is a partnership to strengthen entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Puerto Asis through different strategies such as seed capital, spaces for commercialization and business promotion, use of technological tools and improvement of productivity,” added Deccy Ibarra, executive Chair of the Putumayo Chamber of Commerce. “With GeoPark we are building together, and continuing to support economic and social development in Putumayo.”

The Company will continue to support initiatives such as this one that help create capacities and contribute to the recovery of local economies to reduce opportunity gaps.

ABOUT GEOPARK

GeoPark is a leading Latin American oil and gas exploration and production company with assets in Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil, and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2014. It is Colombia’s second largest oil producer with close to 8% of total national production. Since it was founded, GeoPark has had an Integrated Value System called SPEED, which summarizes the Company’s commitment in five critical areas: Safety, Prosperity, Employees, Environment and Community Development. SPEED has been GeoPark’s key to attracting the best talent, being the preferred partner, the best neighbor and developing a successful, safe and sustainable operation.

For more information: conexiones@geo-park.com