The nation of Chile is light years ahead of the US in terms of economic policy. They have a privatized Social Security system, low debt and a Pro-business policy. In their latest economic initiative, Chile has decided to become a Hi Tech hub in Latin America. The Chilean government is offering businesses start up money. The goal is to attract entrepreneurs and spur job creation.
But last fall, rather than head down the usual path of wooing Silicon Valley investors, Anderson hopped a plane to Chile. Her company, H2020, which uses smartphones to gather data on water quality and availability in emerging countries, was one of 23 businesses selected by the Chilean government to participate in a new initiative designed to attract entrepreneurs.
Called Start-Up Chile, the program offers a $40,000 grant and a one-year work visa to entrepreneurs who agree to stay in Chile for six months. The initiative also offers an entrée into the country’s tight circle of well-heeled venture capitalists, whose investments are being matched as much as 3 to 1 by the Chilean government.
has something of a Silicon Valley pedigree. She graduated from MIT and Cornell Law School before bringing her socially conscious business plan to the Bay Area’s Singularity University. That program, started by inventor Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis, the creator of the X Prize Foundation, helps future leaders develop business solutions to hunger, poverty, disease, and other intractable problems.
But last fall, rather than head down the usual path of wooing Silicon Valley investors, Anderson hopped a plane to Chile. Her company, H2020, which uses smartphones to gather data on water quality and availability in emerging countries, was one of 23 businesses selected by the Chilean government to participate in a new initiative designed to attract entrepreneurs.
Called Start-Up Chile, the program offers a $40,000 grant and a one-year work visa to entrepreneurs who agree to stay in Chile for six months. The initiative also offers an entrée into the country’s tight circle of well-heeled venture capitalists, whose investments are being matched as much as 3 to 1 by the Chilean government.
This is a model the United States should pursue to keep jobs in America. Our I.T. industry has been decimated and this will cause long term damage to the American economy. We need to incentive for business to invest and create jobs in America. Chile is a model that we should emulate.
