The National Development Agency (ANDE), the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII), the National Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (INEFOP), and Uruguay XXI presented various initiatives to support businesses and entrepreneurs during the online conference "Tools to Support Entrepreneurs and Businesses."
The event took place on Monday, May 4, 2020, as part of the Management and Business Lecture Series organized by the Graduate School of Business at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Presenters included Guadalupe Moles—ANII operations and entrepreneurship analyst—, Ignacio Boschi—coordinator of ANII’s Logistics Innovation Program—, Germán Stasieniuk—ANII project executive—, Laura Márquez—INEFOP Business Area Manager—, María de los Ángeles Gómez—INEFOP Business Area Technician—, Andrea Damico—Uruguay XXI Project and Export Promotion Manager—, and Amalia Quirici—ANDE Entrepreneurship Manager.
Coordination, development, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Amalia Quirici noted that ANDE aims to be a national and international leader in coordinating policies and initiatives that contribute to the country’s sustainable economic development.
ANDE seeks to improve productivity and competitiveness in businesses by fostering collaboration among the private sector, the public sector, academia, and civil society. It also promotes programs to strengthen the productive development of businesses and institutions by facilitating access to new markets, strengthening institutional networks, and advancing technology.
Another of its objectives is to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To this end, ANDE coordinates the Support Network for Future Entrepreneurs (RAFE). At the same time, it works to develop national entrepreneurial ecosystems, manages the Uruguay Emprendedor website, and carries out activities to foster a culture of entrepreneurship.
Support for entrepreneurs
Guadalupe Moles focused on two ANII tools designed to support entrepreneurs. First, in partnership with ANDE, the validation of business ideas. This validation process involves gauging market interest in a business idea—without taking on significant risks—in a faster and more cost-effective manner.
In addition, the“seed capital”program is designed to support the entrepreneurial process and the development of companies focused on innovation. Entrepreneurs who receive this support are expected to develop a work plan with measurable milestones and objectives, and to be recognized by an institution that supports entrepreneurship, such as ORT’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).
Moles announced that "ANII is about to launch a support program for electronics startups, aimed at fostering startups that develop physical devices integrated with software." The program offers a non-repayable grant of up to $1,240,000, with a project duration of 24 months. If successful, the startups may apply for a second phase of support.
Support for businesses
Germán Stasieniuk discussed the business support tools available through ANII. During the conference, he focused on one of them called "Tools for Innovation."
This program aims to strengthen individuals’ internal capabilities to develop innovation projects. To achieve this, it sends company employees abroad for training, funds internships at companies, and supports the hiring of international experts with expertise not available in Uruguay. It also supports the hiring of professionals who can drive improvements in technology, processes, or efficiency.
ANII also provides financial support to promote innovation, such as for design refinement or adjustments and improvements to business models. has also has for companies’ internationalization efforts.
Training as a tool
Laura Márquez outlined INEFOP’s main objectives: “The institute is known for its training programs, particularly those aimed at people who are vulnerable in the job market.”
“It also aims to provide training to companies, startups, and individuals looking to start their own businesses,” he said. “We often start with entrepreneurs who have no prior training in business matters.”
María de los Ángeles Gómez, from INEFOP, added: "Since 2016, we have provided support to 3,600 companies. We have assisted more, but these 3,600 cases are the ones that have been finalized."
"About 68% of the courses we offer are for small businesses," he added. The main sectors we serve are services, commerce, and industry.
Export Support
“Companies that export are more efficient, more competitive, and more profitable,” said Andrea Damico of Uruguay XXI. She added that companies preparing to export become more professional and invest in capacity building, while also increasing their productivity with the goal of becoming exporters.
Uruguay XXI supports companies in their growth as they expand into export markets. It prioritizes the food and beverage, creative industries, scientific and pharmaceutical, and agro-industrial sectors. It also offers training, such as workshops on topics related to these sectors.