The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) chose Bogota as the Latin American hub for its Entrepreneurship Center. This brings to 9 the number of entrepreneurship centers worldwide that ICC has: Buenos Aires, Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Beirut, Istanbul, Jakarta, Casablanca and Bogota. In the capital, this center will be housed in INNOVALAB, the CCB's Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Design.

Through this new center, the ICC seeks to promote entrepreneurial activity in Bogota - Region and contribute to the positioning of the city as the "Entrepreneurship Capital" of Latin America. According to Startup Blink 2022, Bogota is the city with the most startups in Colombia, ranking in the top 100 worldwide in e-commerce, retail technology and transportation technology.

Nicolás Uribe Rueda, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, stated that "At the Bogota Chamber of Commerce we are focused on vindicating the role of the entrepreneur as a relevant actor in society and on promoting the economic reactivation of the country. That is why our actions are especially aimed at 97% of the business fabric, which is made up of micro and small companies, and with this, to support the entrepreneur so that, at this juncture, they can achieve technological transformation".

He explained that in this sense, this initiative that seeks to turn Bogota into a hub of entrepreneurship in Latin America is fundamental.

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said, "I am delighted to launch our new Entrepreneurship Center in Bogota to enable entrepreneurs, smaller businesses and start-ups to develop the capacity and networks they need, not only to thrive and survive, but also to ensure that they are mobilized to contribute to the growth of the economy and a better future for more Colombians."

The mission of the Centers is to support, prepare, connect and mobilize the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, not only to thrive and survive, but to of entrepreneurs and business leaders, providing people with opportunities to build meaningful livelihoods. build meaningful livelihoods.

This center will have four specific purposes:

1. Inspire tomorrow's entrepreneurs: It is hoped that everyone—especially young people—will have the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. For this to happen, they need to be given the skills of the future. The Center for Entrepreneurship provides access to programs to prepare individuals with the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs in a constantly changing environment.

2. Digitalization of SMEs: SMEs represent 90% of global businesses, but many do not have the necessary tools and resources to participate in today's digital economy. The programs offered at the Center provide SME leaders with the tools to digitize their operations and access new markets.

3. Expand emerging companies: The Entrepreneurship Center works to improve the ecosystems for start-ups by providing training, coaching, and support services. These services will help entrepreneurs establish, finance, manage, and expand their new businesses.

4. Promote Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship provides social and economic opportunities for the entire population by creating jobs in the community. The ICC Center for Entrepreneurship leverages strategic partnerships to empower individuals and mobilize public-private solutions to overcome the constant deterrent to entrepreneurship.

The Center was officially opened today at an event at the Agora Bogota Convention Center, where leaders of regional and Latin American Chambers of Commerce were present and more than 300 entrepreneurs are expected to attend.