The initiative not only seeks to promote local entrepreneurship through the platform, but also in this first stage the possibility of supporting micro and small entrepreneurs with digital tools is being evaluated. While in the second stage the aim is to expand coverage to other cities in the Coquimbo region.

The health crisis has affected the local economy and it is for this reason that many entrepreneurs are seeking to reinvent themselves, they are seeking to turn uncertainty into a business opportunity and thus survive in this complex scenario. In this sense, with the objective of supporting local SMEs, the “Mercadito FIULS” application was created, an initiative framed in the FIULS 2030 Project of the University of La Serena.

“Mercadito FIULS” (www.mercadito.fiuls.cl) consists of a platform created for the positioning of local businesses through access to the offer of products and services using geolocation. Currently 184 entrepreneurs have chosen to promote their products and services through this application.

Vallery López (28 years old), is a commercial engineer and commented that at the beginning of this year, given the social crisis, he resigned from his stable job to dedicate more time to his family. Today she and her husband are looking for economic stability, for this reason they have given life to the entrepreneurship “Feeling” (@feelings_parati). In relation to this, Vallery pointed out that "this is a family project that consists of generating personalized invitations for the different events that take place at the different stages of our lives."

When asked about “Mercadito FIULS”, Vallery López indicated that “thanks to Mercadito we have greater exposure, I found this platform very interesting for families and entrepreneurs to publicize their projects and businesses, especially in this time of contingencies. The idea is that we can be a family, a community of entrepreneurs who know each other and that we can help each other spread our businesses.”

Sofía Gutiérrez (33 years old), Director and Producer of Artistic events and Dance Academy Serena Danza Studio (@Serenadanzaestudio), commented that in her family business she has had to reinvent herself and hold classes through Zoom to her students, indicating that “this "The crisis has affected our family income, I live with my husband and daughter, and therefore we had to freeze credits, defer debts and see how to generate new income daily." In relation to the contribution of the application, the entrepreneur indicated that “we are very grateful since it has opened a window for us, a positive experience, we know that when we started using the platform the number of students who enrolled in our classes increased.” .

Fabiola Ramirez (52 years old), is the founder of Bodisart (@bodisart), two years ago her father gave her an embroidery machine and her business was born, pointing out that “I am currently working hard making protective masks. My products are very personalized and have requested.” The entrepreneur also stressed that “for me Mercadito FIULS is a good project, since it has allowed us to show our entrepreneurship and at the same time expand our contact networks,” she concluded.

Mercadito FIULS News

Ricardo Campos, Professional of the Technology Marketing and Technology-Based Entrepreneurship Axis of the FIULS 2030 Project explained that "this is a directory of SMEs that helps people find products and services on the platform, contributing to the positioning of local businesses. In this first stage we are looking at the possibility of supporting with digital tools, delivering a basic package corresponding to the creation of a website, social networks and the creation of a shopping cart. While in the second stage, we hope that mercadito will extend its coverage to other cities in the region".

The Director of the Technology Commercialization and Technology-Based Entrepreneurship Axis of the FIULS 2030 Project and academics from the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of La Serena, MTI, Eng. Alejandro Álvarez, regarding the use of the tool stated that “the balance on the use of the website is positive, there are 184 micro and small businesses that have advertised their ventures. I call on people to continue registering and we can continue supporting them on this platform," he concluded.

To register at Mercadito FIULS you must fill out a form at www.mercadito.fiuls.cl/formulario.

Written by María José Barraza, FIULS 2030 Project