Centre of Entrepreneurship

New ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship to boost Bolivian entrepreneurial ecosystem

  • 14 November 2024

A new ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship, hosted by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism (CAINCO), aims to connect Bolivian companies and entrepreneurs with international opportunities.

The new ICC Centre in Bolivia will strengthen the creation, development and expansion of Bolivia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, by aligning opportunities and capabilities with the demands of international markets. 

Through four strategic pillars – innovation, sustainability, gender, and internationalisation – the Centre will offer comprehensive support to entrepreneurs regardless of sector, field or size, enabling them to expand projects and access global opportunities. 

The Centre in Bolivia reaffirms CAINCO’s role as a leader in the development of entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.  

A launch event took place today at the CAINCO Convention Centre, bringing together prominent business leaders and ICC representatives. 

Speaking at the event, Carlos Jordán, CEO and founder of UltraCréditos Bolivia, shared his vision of the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Bolivia. Emphasising the importance of building solid connections and fostering a culture of innovation he said:

“Entrepreneurship is a challenge that requires vision, but above all, collaboration. With the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship at CAINCO, we are taking a big step towards creating networks that will drive our entrepreneurs to reach new horizons.” 

Underscoring the importance of the initiative in positioning Bolivia on the international stage Orlando Vaca, President of ICC Bolivia, said:

“Today, we open a door to the future of Bolivia, where innovation and sustainability become engines of growth. This Centre will be the starting point for hundreds of entrepreneurs who seek to make their mark on the global market.” 

The global ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship programme, works to connect and empower chambers and ICC national committees, to create entrepreneurship ecosystems.  

Julian Kassum, ICC Deputy Secretary General, Network said:

“We are excited that Bolivia is joining our global entrepreneurship network. The Centre will open up new opportunities and allow Bolivian ideas to find space in the international market, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic global ecosystem.”  

Innovation specialist Anuor Aguilar shared his experience and reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, comparing the process of creating a company to a space mission.

“Entrepreneurship is about exploring unknown territories; it’s an adventure that requires perseverance, courage and a clear vision.”  

The launch event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAINCO and ICC, formalising shared commitments to promote the Bolivian entrepreneurial ecosystem at this promising new phase for the country. 

Jean Pierre Antelo, President of CAINCO said:

“Today, we take the first step on a journey that will bring Bolivian entrepreneurship to new dimensions. With this Centre, we are not only opening doors to international markets but also to the possibility of transforming Bolivia into a reference point for innovation and sustainability in the region.”