Our Mission
The PriceSmart Foundation invests in organizations that foster greater access to economic opportunity in communities where PriceSmart operates its business.
Our Focus Areas
Youth Employability
Too often young people face barriers to finish their education or access the skills and connections they need to secure employment or start their own enterprise. When they overcome these obstacles, they achieve greater economic independence, increase their self-efficacy, envision a hopeful future for themselves and their families, and better serve their communities.
We support nonprofit organizations that help young people complete academic credentials, acquire market-relevant technical and soft skills, guide them on career pathways, and connect them to internships, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
PriceSmart employees teach and mentor young people, advise local partner organizations, expose youth to career pathways, and open PriceSmart clubs for learning, internships, and job opportunities.
Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises
Most job creation in developing economies comes from the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, many promising SMEs - especially those owned by women, youth, and underserved populations - lack sufficient access to training, mentorship, finance and markets.
We partner with local and regional institutions to strengthen SME business competencies and connect these companies to market opportunities and financial services, so they can grow their operations and increase their profitability. This leads to the creation of new employment and greater economic and social development of communities, thus improving families’ security, education, and health.
PriceSmart employees share market intelligence, teach about the company’s merchandising philosophy and supplier expectations, mentor business owners, and offer vendor opportunities within its clubs to select SMEs.
Emergency and Disaster Relief
The PriceSmart Foundation and PriceSmart, Inc. aim to support first responders when disaster strikes in our region. Events like hurricanes, seasonal flooding, earthquakes, and other disasters can have long-lasting consequences that hinder community development.
In times of need, we aim to leverage the company’s supply chain, buying power, and our relationships to support our communities through rapid humanitarian aid and help to recover and rebuild.
