The event is co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority and will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center.
GEC+Puerto Rico is open to all local business ecosystem collaborators, as well as current and future entrepreneurs.
Investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caribbean and the US Latino community are coming together for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+Puerto Rico), which runs until July 18 in San Juan.
The event will be co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority (PRCDA) and will have the theme “Vision 2035: The Entrepreneurial Future of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Organizers say the event, to be held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, will present a new framework based on innovative programs and policies to drive economic growth in harmony with the region’s rich culture and history.
“Puerto Rico is riding a new wave of entrepreneurship with a burgeoning tech industry and a supportive, accessible ecosystem for founders across industries,” said GEN President Jonathan Oatmans.
“GEC+ will highlight the best the region has to offer and bring together Latin American, Caribbean, Latino and Hispanic voices to work together towards a common goal and a vision of entrepreneurship that thrives across borders,” he said.
GEC+ comes to Puerto Rico with a 10-year history of convening founders at all stages of development, policymakers, investors, and advocacy organizations from across economies to spark new ideas and “foster economic growth and expand human well-being,” organizers explained.
Recent GEC and GEC+ events were held in Melbourne, Australia and Cape Town, South Africa.
“This opportunity represents a significant one for Puerto Rico to build mutually beneficial relationships with entrepreneurs and companies from around the world, and we welcome the entrepreneurial ecosystem with enthusiasm and great expectations,” said Mariela Valins, PRCDA Executive Director. “GEC+ opens the door to great possibilities to showcase our talents and innovations and continue to strengthen our socio-economic development.”
More than 150 local and international entrepreneurship and innovation professionals have confirmed their participation. The agenda will include plenary sessions, panels, masterclasses and workshops across four parallel tracks targeting founders/entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, investors and policy makers.
The event will also feature the first-ever GEN Academy, promoted by the Echar Pa’lante Multisector Alliance (EPL), where participants can earn one of eight professional development certificates on key topics to strengthen the network of Puerto Rican business organizations.
EPL “continues to work to implement the essential elements of a strong, dynamic ecosystem that will stimulate entrepreneurship on the island and expand the economic impact of self-management,” said Gloria Viscasillas, executive director of the organization, which is now a nonprofit.
“This is a unique professional development opportunity for anyone interested in helping develop Puerto Rico’s business ecosystem,” Viscasillas added.
GEC+Puerto Rico is supported by numerous local partners, including Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Invest Puerto Rico, Colmena66, Parallel18, Yees!, Puerto Rico Space Foundation, Centro para Emprendedores, Grupo Guayacán, Aurora Angels Network, Foundation for Puerto Rico, and Piloto 151.
Additional support will also come from the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and seven partner universities.
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