FIDECOOP has $40.5M to create, strengthen co-op businesses
The Cooperative Development and Investment Fund (FIDECOOP, in Spanish) announced the availability of $40.5 million in funds for the strategic financing of companies organized under the cooperative model, the entity confirmed.
This fund is the product of the contributions by credit unions and a co-investment agreement with the government established since 2002. FIDECOOP also provides support and technical assistance in the development and strengthening of co-ops, in alliance with other entities of the cooperative movement.
“The economic reality we’re facing, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched many people who seek to be self-sustaining into entrepreneurship,” said José Julián Ramírez-Ruiz, executive director of FIDECOOP.
“Co-op companies promote the development of collective initiatives and it’s undoubtedly the business tool for this, and our mission at FIDECOOP is to facilitate their establishment and development,” he said.
Before gaining access to the funds, co-op entrepreneurs must demonstrate knowledge and commitment to this philosophy and its values, Ramírez-Ruiz said.
“With the advice of FIDECOOP, emerging cooperatives will carry out feasibility analysis, business plans, operational processes, and the incorporation procedures required in Puerto Rico for this business model,” he said.
At present, FIDECOOP provides 15 financing tools to 11 different types of co-ops, in: education service providers; the agricultural sector; the needle industry; youth ventures in the food industry; retail; and electrical services and health, among others.
Interested entrepreneurs may find more information on the FIDECOOP website.
Hola. *”TECNOCOOP”* un espacio para promover la tecnología e innovación, fundamentalmente entre jóvenes y emprendedores, preparándonos para enfrentar los desafíos que ya comienza a presentar la era digital. Desde la *”Cooperativa Eléctrica y OSP Ferré Ltda.”* y su *“Comisión de Desarrollo Local”* buscamos vincular la tecnología con la educación, la producción y el trabajo e impulsar el desarrollo local y estimular el crecimiento regional, dinamizando y articulando la oferta y demanda tecnológica a través de la coordinación de acciones públicas, privadas, académicas y científicas para lograr la inserción de empresas locales, microemprendedores, artesanos, et. en la economía nacional e internacional en el ámbito de la tecnología de la información, la economía del conocimiento y afines, con igualdad de oportunidades para tod@s, invitando a l@s jóvenes que tengan inquietudes sobre este eje a participar de proyectos y actividades tecnológicas e innovadoras.* Queremos crear los líderes del futuro” desaarrollando la creatividad y el talento* para ofrecer soluciones tecnológicas innovadoras y competitivas. Podremos hacer algo juntos ? Claudio.