Opportunities Offered by the Cobre Emprende Program: Marie Pérez is an Artisan Taking Advantage
According to Marie Pérez, an entrepreneur from the province of Veraguas, Cobre Panamá’s operation represents an opportunity for growth and improvement for small producers and artisans who strive daily to realize their dreams through profitable and sustainable businesses. Through its social programs, specifically Cobre Emprende, the company helps them identify their weaknesses and strengthen their presence on social media to attract more customers.
She mentioned that, after participating in this initiative, she is more encouraged to continue promoting “Entre Colores,” an enterprise dedicated to the personalization of everyday items such as bags, clothing, caps, hats, among others, which arose from her love of art, since from a young age she always liked to draw and found in her parents’ sewing workshop the opportunity to take advantage of this skill.
“I remember very well that I would grab my sketchbook to make the designs for them; that’s when I knew I had the gift and I wanted to exploit it. I gradually started making my designs on clothing; everything is hand-painted and comes from my inspiration. I put a lot of heart into it,” he explained in an interview with reporters.
When asked if she would recommend the Cobre Emprende program to other artisans, Pérez did not hesitate to answer yes, because through these training sessions, in addition to boosting their businesses, they will obtain answers to many of their questions about the industry in the country.
She suggested that those who are afraid to participate in Cobre Panamá initiatives due to public questioning should put these thoughts aside and focus on the importance of moving forward, not getting stuck on what others will say, but daring to put what they have learned into practice and impacting others, because the most rewarding thing about this experience is that everyone, to the extent possible, can benefit from the lessons taught.
In addition, the company transports entrepreneurs to different areas of the country so they can promote their products and increase their sales. Pérez acknowledged that the issue of the mine has been quite controversial, but believes that, before making value judgments, people should seek information about it and verify with their own eyes that the mining company is fulfilling its duty to preserve and maintain the area to avoid potential environmental risks.
She added that any business, regardless of its activity and environmental implications, must act responsibly, a quality that Cobre Panamá has demonstrated to date because it cares not only about the natural environment, but also about social and financial aspects..
Six Hundred people from all over the country have benefited from the Cobre Emprende program. Two phases of this initiative have been implemented to reach more citizens.
