Capital, mentorship, and tools to strengthen entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico

Entrepreneurship represents an opportunity to transform ideas into businesses capable of generating growth, innovation, and economic development. However, turning a vision into a sustainable company also requires access to guidance, strategic connections, and tools that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions from the earliest stages.

In response to this need, Emprende con Popular was created to facilitate access to resources for business owners at different stages of development. Through popular.com/emprende, Popular brings together educational content, financing alternatives, business mentorship, and connections with organizations in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to support those who want to start, strengthen, or expand their businesses.

In addition to its digital content, Emprende con Popular is complemented by participation in educational talks, workshops, and events throughout Puerto Rico, where business owners could receive direct guidance, connect with other entrepreneurs, and engage with support organizations. This approach seeks to foster spaces for collaboration and learning within the local business ecosystem.

One of the programs that forms part of this initiative is StartUp Popular, focused on businesses with three years or less of operation. The program offers commercial financing of up to $50,000, personalized business mentorship, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs build a stronger structure and make better-prepared decisions.

Since its launch in 2015, StartUp Popular has disbursed more than $11.5 million in financing, impacting over 330 entrepreneurs across the Island. As part of this support, more than 9,000 hours of business mentorship have also been provided, focused on areas such as planning, financial management, operational growth, and strategic development. Participants also have the opportunity to take part in different markets and business events throughout the year, where they can showcase their products and services, strengthen their brand visibility, and establish connections that help drive business growth.

Puerto Rican businesses such as The Gold Ice Cream, MK Care, Piso Blanco, Parguera Charters, and Señor Paleta are among the companies that have received support through StartUp Popular, reflecting the diversity of industries and business models within Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Similarly, participation in business ecosystem activities, such as competitions, workshops, and acceleration programs, is an integral part of the program’s core focus on the entrepreneurial sector. In turn, the Emprende con Popular team works together with organizations such as the Centro para Emprendedores, Grupo Guayacán, parallel18, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, among other entities, to continue promoting business development.

As part of these efforts, ScaleUp Popular is also promoted as a program focused on supporting companies in more advanced stages of growth through strategic alliances with organizations specialized in business acceleration. Through these collaborations, the goal is to expand access to resources, training, and opportunities that help companies strengthen their capabilities and continue scaling their operations.

As entrepreneurship continues to evolve on the Island, initiatives that integrate access to capital, education, and strategic connections play an increasingly important role in strengthening small businesses and creating new economic opportunities.

Emprende con Popular continues to invest in the development of local entrepreneurs through tools and resources designed to support them at different stages of growth. To learn more about resources, opportunities, and financing alternatives available for entrepreneurs, visit popular.com/en/emprende.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of accuracy or applicability for any particular purpose. Neither Popular, Inc. nor any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, and/or related companies shall be liable for any special, direct, or indirect harm stemming from the information contained in this article. Should you require further information or guidance with regard to this article, you should always seek the advice of a competent professional of your choice.