Bogota, July, 2023.The second cycle of Todos Unidos was successfully completed. In this business volunteering program, directors and specialists from Corona, Tigo, Colombina, Sodimac Homecenter, Grupo Argos and the Bogota Chamber of Commerce (CCB), participate as mentors of small and medium-sized companies with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs and contributing to the country's business development. The Todos Unidos initiative was launched at the end of July 2021 and at the end of the four months of the first cycle it had a positive impact on more than 430 micro and small companies. This second cycle was developed during 2022 and 206 micro and small businesses were impacted, accompanying them in their growth and stabilization process.

"To achieve the strengthening of the Colombian business fabric, it is essential to ensure that SMEs develop and grow. At Corona, we believe that large companies can and should accompany this process. For this reason, through corporate volunteering, together with other allies, we share our knowledge and experience in different areas with Colombian entrepreneurs. We are very pleased with the reach we have had and to continue with this commitment," says Roberto Junguito, president of Organización Corona.

Juan David Castaño, vice president of business strengthening of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, said that "for three years we have been focused on promoting MSMEs, which represent more than 99% of the business fabric of Bogota and the region. We have more than 600 free services for them. In addition, with alliances like these we benefit more companies by impacting their productivity through mentoring."

The program has had a total of 147 mentors who have donated 831 hours, aimed at complementing and strengthening the capabilities of entrepreneurs from different micro and small businesses. Volunteers from these organizations shared their knowledge in business strategy, marketing and sales, financial planning, production and quality, digital transformation, innovation, sustainability, corporate governance and human talent management.

Some of the SMEs that received advice through Todos Unidos are part of the value chains of the companies involved in this initiative.

For Marcelo Cataldo, president of Tigo, the work that has been developed with the Todos Unidos initiative must have continuity over time. "Nearly 90% of SMEs in Colombia need specialized knowledge to remain competitive. That is why this initiative of free advice and knowledge transfer to small businesses must be maintained and have new cycles. From Tigo we are ready to continue contributing with our volunteers".

In the course of 2023, six new corporations will join the Program: Alianza Team, Grupo Nutresa, Protección, PwC Colombia, Comfama and Haceb, and we will deploy the benefits to the Chambers of Commerce of Huila and Ibagué, which will be linked from this year, favoring the entrepreneurs of their region, with which we will advance in consolidating a nationwide impact with the Program.