Axes | Impact Hub Medellín

Boost your agri-food business toward sustainable and international markets.

Improving the
market access
for sustainable agri-food companies in Colombia.

The AXES program, led by Impact Hub in Colombia, aims to transform the way agri-food SMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) in Colombia access international markets , integrating them into sustainable, deforestation-free supply chains, fostering economic, social and environmentally sustainable development.

Stories that inspire:

Discover the testimonials of the companies participating in AXES 2025 and learn how they are taking their impact to new international markets.

During a 5-month process, the program seeks to support more than 50 agricultural and food companies that have operations in Colombia. to improve their access to national and international markets.

What are we looking for with AXES?

Strengthen internal capacities to improve

marketing processes.

Facilitate the creation of rural employment, especially for women and young people.

Design customized market access plans for international markets.

Promoting economic growth with an environmental and social focus.

Promote practices that prevent deforestation and foster sustainability.

AXES 2025 Companies

We present the companies in cohort 1 - 2025 selected to strengthen their path to international markets.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Can your company

participate?

AXES is aimed at agri-food companies that:

They are legally incorporated and operate in Colombia.

They are part of the agri-food chain.

They want to become part of sustainable supply chains.

They have annual revenues between $100,000,000 and $2,000,000,000 COP.

They promote gender equality within their team.

What does the AXES program offer?

Comprehensive support for your business growth. For 5 months, you'll receive:

✅ Selection (10 companies)

✅ Formalization + Market Access and Sustainability Diagnosis (10 companies)

✅ Kickoff (1 virtual event)

✅ Bootcamps (9 workshops)

✅ Personalized Coaching (4 sessions)

✅ Market Access Plan Creation Sessions (2 sessions)

✅ Access to the European Enterprise Network (EEN) (10 companies)

✅ Networking and relationship event

✅ Discounts and free services from program partners (10 companies)

✅ Exit diagnosis (10 companies)

✅ AXES Alumni Certificate (10 companies)

Inversión del programa:

$ 1.000.000 + IVA

Everything you get by participating in the AXES program

AXES promotes market access and referencing through a combination of methods, including a personalized assessment, bootcamps, coaching, and strategic plans in collaboration with key players in the European Business Network, as well as networking events. It offers technology credits, participation in a Demo Day, post-program follow-up, and a Market Access Manual, among other options.

The 10 companies selected to participate in one of the AXES program cohorts will have access to the following methodological support, for a period of approximately 5 months. The program seeks to create: 1/ Market access capabilities ; 2/ Customized market access plans; 3/ Networking and technological opportunities; and 4/ Access for companies to the European Business Network.

Builds capacity through:

A Personalized Diagnosis: evaluation of the company on key variables such as value proposition, team capabilities, sales, costs, technical needs, business vision, certifications, internationalization, sustainability, and their impact.
9 Virtual Bootcamps (2 hours each). The bootcamps explore key topics for accessing international markets, including strengthening sales and export processes, digital marketing and e-commerce, financial and investment strategies, and the use of tools such as Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs). They also address EUDR compliance, intellectual property management, and building high-performance teams, with a special focus on opportunities in Europe.
Personalized Coaching: 4 individual sessions to overcome market barriers, apply program tools, and receive support from expert mentors in the agricultural sector.

1. Discounts and free services from program partners:

Amazon Web Services: $5,000 AWS service credit for 2 years
HubSpot: Up to 90% off their services for a year
Alegra: 30% off the annual plan
Nominapp: 30% discount for one year on Personal, Entrepreneur, or SME plans
Sistegra: You'll get a 30% discount on your SG-SST plan.

2. Networking and networking event (in person in Medellín)

3. Recognition as AXES Alumni

4. Monitoring Strengthening

5. Codification and dissemination of the Market Access Manual for MSMEs

Market access stakeholder mapping and commercialization plan activation: Access to a team of invited market access stakeholders, with whom customized market access plans will be created for each selected initiative. Market access stakeholders that are part of AXES include:

Events: Networking opportunities and brand exposure
E-commerce
Wholesale and retail
European Business Network in Colombia (EEN in Colombia)
Government Entities
Private sector
Clusters, associations, chambers of commerce
Universities
Other MSMEs

Market Access Plan Creation Sessions:

Two (2) market access plan creation sessions for each initiative, with the assigned team of market actors.

As part of AXES, your company will have access to the European Enterprise Network (EEN):

SWOT Analysis and Presentation

We will develop a SWOT analysis for your internationalization strategy.

Access the EEN platform / een.ec.europa.eu

We will proceed with the creation of your “Action Plan” for your company.

Creating your Cooperation Profile

We'll create your Cooperation Profile, detailing your service offerings and needs. Find out more here:

een.ec.europa.eu/partnering-opportunities

Contact with up to 5 EEN nodes

In the prioritized countries in order to present your Cooperation Profile.

Do you have questions about how to apply for the AXES program or want to know if your company is eligible?

We want to be with you every step of the way. If you have questions about the application process, requirements, or program benefits, please contact us.

Write to us

Send us an email

A program created by:

Supported by:

Axes Argidius Impact Hub Medellin Market Access Network 5.png

Frequently Asked Questions about the AXES Program ///

What types of companies can participate?

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) formalized and legally incorporated in Colombia, with operations in Antioquia, operating within the agri-food chain, and with annual revenues between $100,000,000 and $2,000,000,000 COP, may apply.

What happens if I don't meet all the requirements?

We invite you to contact us. We can review your case and assess whether your company is eligible based on its focus, impact, or potential, even if you don't fully meet all the requirements.

What criteria are evaluated for selection?

Positive environmental impact, business model, market access potential, team experience, and innovation will be evaluated, with specific weights for each criterion.

In which regions can you participate?

AXES is a national platform, but this cohort is open to companies from Antioquia or those with operations in the department. The program has a special focus on rural communities, women entrepreneurs, and young people, but any agrifood company that meets the criteria can apply.

Does it have any cost for companies?

COP $1,000,000 + taxes. This amount must be paid by the selected organizations and is nonrefundable.

What do I get by participating in the AXES program?

Upon selection, your company will access a specialized business development program to expand into new markets, with a focus on sustainability and deforestation-free supply chains. During the program, you will receive:

Selection (10 companies)
Formalization (10 companies) + Market Access and Sustainability Diagnosis (10 companies)
Kickoff (1 virtual event)
Bootcamps (9 workshops)
Personalized Coaching (4 sessions)
Market Access Plan Creation Sessions (2 sessions)
Registration in the European Enterprise Network (EEN) (10 companies)
Networking and relationship event
Discounts and free services from program partners (10 companies)
Exit diagnosis (10 companies)
Alumni AXES Certificate (10 companies)

This process will allow you to increase your commercial capabilities, improve your export readiness, and move toward more sustainable and competitive value chains.

Do I receive support after completing the process?

Yes. Upon completion of the program, your company will remain connected to the Impact Hub and European Business Networks, giving you access to opportunities, calls, events, and exclusive content. You'll also have the opportunity to continue strengthening relationships with partners, mentors, and other companies in the sector, expanding your business and impact connections.

In some cases, you may also be considered for follow-up programs, business meetings, or other initiatives that support your company's international reach and sustainable growth.

How long does the process take?

Each program cohort lasts approximately five months, during which companies receive strategic support, training, tools, and key connections to access sustainable markets.

What does the AXES program include?

It includes personalized diagnostics, bootcamps, coaching, marketing plan design, technology credits, event participation, access to the European Business Network, a Demo Day, and more tools to facilitate market access.

Can I participate if I have already participated in other similar programs?

Yes, you can participate. AXES is designed to complement other processes and take companies to the next level in their internationalization and sustainability, especially with its focus on deforestation-free supply chains.

Do you have any questions?

Write to us at alliances.medellin@impacthub.net