StartUp Popular Empowering Entrepreneurs at Coffee & Chocolate Expo 2025

By Corporate Communications

Businesses backed by Banco Popular stand out at the island’s premier coffee and cacao event.

With attendance surpassing 22,000 people and more than 180 exhibitors, the fifteenth edition of the Coffee & Chocolate Expo reaffirmed its place as the leading showcase for innovation and entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico. This year, the event was not only a display of local flavors but also a platform to highlight the growth of small businesses supported by Banco Popular's StartUp Popular program.

During the two-day expo, several program clients shared their development stories, showcasing their innovation and structured growth with the public. Businesses like Mojitos Decretos, The Gold Ice Cream, DoNut Eat Just One and La Cafecleta were among the entrepreneurs who, with Banco Popular's support, formalized, expanded their operations, and reached new audiences.

Stage Presence: Banco Popular Talks About Its Commitment to Entrepreneurs

As part of the event's educational program, Kimberly Ortiz from Banco Popular's Emprende con Popular program took to the stage to discuss the initiatives designed to support emerging entrepreneurs. Ortiz shared how programs like StartUp Popular have been crucial in transforming ideas into real businesses by offering access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities among entrepreneurs.

Her participation highlighted Banco Popular's commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and how the institution has crafted financial and educational solutions specifically tailored for early-stage businesses.

Real Impact Stories

Each participating client represents an example of the entrepreneurial potential that exists in Puerto Rico:

• Mojitos Decretos, by Grisel Colón, evolved from a home project to a bottled line that recently launched a coffee craft beer in collaboration with Asomante Brewery. With financing from StartUp Popular, they were able to acquire equipment, expand operations, and reach more points of sale.
• The Gold Ice Cream, founded by Christopher Acosta Maya and Jonathan Tirado Rivera, grew from a small neglected local shop to operating in three locations with more than 40 flavors of artisanal ice cream. The support from StartUp Popular facilitated the purchase of equipment and the expansion of the business to new regions.
• La Cafecleta, developed by Fernando Colón and Lilian Aponte in Ponce, combines a fixed café with a mobile model that serves events around the island. Financial and educational support from the program allowed them to launch their operation on a solid foundation and grow with focus.
• DoNut Eat Just One, by Glidden Torres in Añasco, specializes in selling mini donuts with various toppings. With financing from StartUp Popular, they could expand their points of sale to have a presence in other towns in the western area.

A Commitment Beyond the Expo

For Banco Popular, supporting entrepreneurs extends beyond providing financing. The relationship with these businesses is continuous and evolves with their needs. Events like the Coffee & Chocolate Expo reinforce this commitment by offering a platform to share their stories, connect with the public, and continue positioning themselves in the market.

StartUp Popular is a service offered by Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. Member FDIC.