A Journey to Sustainable Solutions

Colombia

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in LATAM

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Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Colombia: A Journey to Sustainable Solutions

Colombia IV

This program offers a deep dive into the world of innovation in one of Latin America's most dynamic countries. Students explore entrepreneurship hubs, local businesses, and artisan markets. This immersion provides an in-depth understanding of Colombia's entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering skills to develop innovative ideas. Students discover the intersection of cultural heritage and entrepreneurship, exploring Colombia's rich history and vibrant urban centers.

“Bogotá is a canvas, painted with the hues of cultural richness and the vibrant strokes of urban vitality.“

“Amidst Andean peaks, where innovation meets tradition, Medellin's story teachs resilience and the pulse of progress.“

Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

Day 1

Upon arrival to Bogotá, students are greeted by Envoys educators. They transfer to their accomodations, receive a safety briefing and set out to explore the surrounding area. They day ends with a welcome dinner, sampling traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 2

Students visit Endeavor Colombia, a non-profit organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs, where they meet successful Colombian entrepreneurs for a Q&A session and gain insights into their entrepreneurial journey. Then, we visit EAN University, which promotes entrepreneurship and innovation.

Day 3

A visit to the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá, that provides services and support to entrepreneurs and companies. The, a workshop on how to start a business in Colombia and a visit to Sistema B, to learn about Colombia’s B corporations, which use the power of business to drive positive social and environmental change.

Day 4

A guided tour of Bogotá's historic center, visiting local markets and small businesses, and providing students with a first-hand experience of the Colombian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Later, we transfer to Villa de Leyva, a picturesque colonial town known for its local artisans and craft markets.

Day 5

A day in Villa de Leyva, visiting local entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn about the artisan economy and sustainable entrepreneurship. Explore the town's local markets and interact with local artisans. Later, students visit a local coffee farm and learn about the coffee industry in Colombia.

Day 6

Students attend a workshop on social entrepreneurship and sustainability, to reflect on their experiences and discuss the role of entrepreneurship in driving positive social and environmental change. We return to Bogotá and fly to Medellín, known for its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Day 7

A visit to Ruta N, a science and technology innovation center that supports startups and entrepreneurs. In the afternoon, students visit Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has undergone a transformation through community-led entrepreneurship and innovation.

Day 8

Students attend a workshop on design thinking and innovation, providing them with a valuable set of tools for approaching complex business challenges. Later in the day, we visit Parque Explora, a science museum and interactive space for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Day 9

On the final full day of the program, students visit a local startup accelerator or co-working space. They attend a talk on the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Colombia. In the evening, students have their final dinner together and participate in a program reflection and evaluation.

Day 10

On the final day of this travel experience, students have some time to pack and prepare for their journey home and then they participate in a final program evaluation.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Immerse in the role of entrepreneurship in sustainable development in the context of Colombia's natural resources and challenges. Through visits to enterprises and organizations promoting social and environmental responsibility, they learn how entrepreneurship can be a tool for positive change.

Innovation & Technology

Explore innovation and technology in Medellín, a rising hub for tech startups. Visit Ruta N and Parque Explora to witness cutting-edge solutions and techniques that entrepreneurs employ to address complex challenges.

Artisanal Economy

Analyze the role of artisanal production in Colombia's economy. Through visits to local businesses and artisans, students learn about the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale entrepreneurs and explore how they contribute to the cultural and economic richness of the region.