Bogota, July 2024. The Bogota Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the Federation of Traders and Shopkeepers, and Corferias, will hold on July 18, 19 and 20 the + Talante Fair, the first one created for the popular and solidarity economy.

The objective of the free event is to bring together in one place those who make up this economic segment, as well as to offer support to productive units that currently operate under subsistence schemes so that they become engines of growth and generators of employment.

The meeting, which will be held at the Corferias fairgrounds this Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature a broad academic agenda, as well as a wide range of typical and folkloric events to enjoy with the family.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, stated that “From minute one of my administration at the head of the entity, we turned the efforts of the organization to make visible, recognize, understand and characterize the popular and solidarity economy to support it in the right way, of course without neglecting the attention to other business segments. This event, the first of its kind, is part of an integral strategy of knowledge and support to the popular and solidarity economy so that they can make a real leap in quality”.

The program includes topics such as how to increase sales, sustainability, finance, cooperatives, internationalization, women-led enterprises, traditional cuisine, among others. In addition, as part of +Talante, nearly 400 businesses of the popular and solidarity economy will be able to present their goods and services to buyers interested in their offerings.

Likewise, the fair will feature a Mercado Campesino sale, with 80 entrepreneurs and associations of popular economy producers with the best of the authentic country flavor. There will also be a job fair so that those who are looking for work can access new job opportunities.

Likewise, there will be a financial connection wheel, where about 10 banks will be ready to offer solutions without so much paperwork and thus prevent the 'gota a gota'.

In addition, self-made entrepreneurs, who have become true benchmarks of the popular and solidarity economy, will share their success stories to inspire attendees and demonstrate that their trajectories can be replicated.

Epicenter of personalities

+Talante will include interventions by such diverse personalities as the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes; the general manager of Artesanías de Colombia, Adriana Mejía; humorist and winner of 'Master Chef Celebrity', Frank Martínez, popularly known as 'El Flaco'; influencers such as 'Los Escachaitos' or 'Aliento de dragón', among others.