Economic growth and education 

Since 2016, AES Chile has implemented the business strengthening program by equipping community members with practical skills that align with local economic opportunities and regional labor market needs. Through employability training programs delivered across communities, participants complete courses in areas such as heavy equipment operation, commercial driving, artisanal crafts, welding, beekeeping, hairdressing, food preservation, and solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance. 

In partnership with VIWORK, 20 entrepreneurs from San Jose de Maipo, 90% of which are women, underwent four months of training to strengthen their businesses through workshops, mentoring sessions, and management sessions. Across these initiatives, in 2025 more than 200 community members and entrepreneurs gained the skills needed to improve their employment opportunities, strengthen their businesses, and contribute to long-term economic growth.

AES Colombia supported the creation and financing of the Entrepreneurship Multi-service Association of Castilla la Nueva (ASODEC) and CIVAM in Aipe Huila, two community-based organizations that provide maintenance for solar parks. AES Colombia provided technical training, seed capital, and tools and equipment to enable these small businesses to strengthen their operations and ensure good practices in health, safety, environment and social management

 Through continued support, ASODEC has expanded its brush cutting services to both AES’ Castilla and San Fernando solar parks, establishing itself as a competitive local provider in the region. ASODEC also supports AES’ solar grazing projects, which integrates livestock grazing with vegetation management, creating additional opportunities for local participation in the operation and maintenance of renewable energy facilities .

AES Panama’s productive inclusion program supports entrepreneurs and families in Nance de Riscó, Changuinola, by combining seed capital, business mentoring and technical education scholarships. Through a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, the program helps participants strengthen their businesses, build employability skills and create more sustainable livelihoods.

In partnership with Remote Energy, AES supported the Tribal Education program to expand access to renewable energy education and workforce development opportunities for tribal communities across South Dakota, Arizona, and New Mexico. The program equipped tribal educators and community advocates with customized training materials, mentorship and hands on solar education resources to strengthen local teaching capacity and inspire future leaders. Through instructor training, community solar demonstration, and outreach sessions on electricity fundamentals, Native American educators and community advocates gained the knowledge and tools to deliver solar education within their own communities, helping build long-term local expertise and pathways into the workforce.