Starting a business takes courage. Growing one takes even more: access to knowledge, mentorship, strategic networks, and opportunities that can transform potential into sustainable growth.
However, for many women entrepreneurs, these resources remain limited. Recognizing this reality, Fundación Ciudad del Saber, with the support of PriceSmart Foundation and the participation of PriceSmart Panama, is launching the Scaling Women Owned SME’s program (Programa Avanzado de Escalabilidad), an initiative designed to strengthen the growth of women-led businesses in Panama.
For more than two decades, Fundación Ciudad del Saber has promoted entrepreneurship and innovation as drivers of sustainable development. Through its Innovation Center, it has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs through programs that connect talent with mentorship, specialized knowledge, and opportunities for collaboration, helping turn ideas into more competitive and resilient businesses.
With the support of PriceSmart Foundation, 40 women entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive training program that combines specialized instruction, personalized mentorship, and technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of each business. The program aims to strengthen skills in key areas such as business strategy, financial management, sales, leadership, innovation, and preparation to access new market and investment opportunities.
More than simply providing tools, the program seeks to support each entrepreneur in developing a roadmap for the growth of her business. Every business faces different challenges, and for this reason, the program will combine training, mentorship, and a network of experts that will enable participants to develop solutions suited to their stage of growth.
As part of the program, participants will present their progress to a panel of experts during an Elevator Pitch. The businesses with the greatest growth potential will be selected to receive seed capital, helping them put their expansion plans into action.
This partnership reflects the shared commitment of PriceSmart Foundation and Fundación Ciudad del Saber to strengthening women’s entrepreneurship as a means of fostering economic development, innovation, and social well-being.
When a woman entrepreneur strengthens her business, the impact extends far beyond her own company. New jobs are created, local economies are strengthened, opportunities are created for others, and new generations of women are inspired to pursue entrepreneurship.
Through initiatives like this, Fundación Ciudad del Saber and PriceSmart Foundation reaffirm their commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem, where more women can turn their ideas into sustainable businesses and contribute to the development of Panama.
