More than 50 entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises came together for a day that integrated entrepreneurship, culture, health, innovation and community participation in West Panama.

The La Chorrera campus of UMECIT celebrated the Second Entrepreneurship Bazaar, a day that brought together students, graduates, external entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, public and private institutions and members of the community, turning the university facilities into a space for meeting, exchange and generating opportunities.

Culture and talent to kick off the day

The event began with a cultural program highlighting Panamanian talent and traditions. Attendees enjoyed a folk dance performance by the Legislative Assembly's Directorate of Culture and Sports, a décima (a ten-line stanza) dedicated to the Bazaar, and performances by guest artists.

The inauguration included speeches by the Honorable Deputy Yuzaida Marín, Mr. Ernesto Martínez, coordinator of UMECIT La Chorrera Campus, and Mr. Alexis Del Cid, Extension Coordinator of the La Chorrera Campus, who led the organization of this initiative with the support of various strategic partners.

Partnerships that create opportunities

This second edition reaffirmed that collaborative work can open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of communities.

Among the institutions and organizations that joined the initiative were AMPYME, represented by its director Dayana Pinzón; the Ministry of Culture; the Ministry of Environment; the Chamber of Commerce of Panama West; the Public Market of La Chorrera, represented by its manager, Licda. Yenara Sánchez Díaz; IPACOOP and members of the Legislative Assembly, through the Directorate of Citizen Participation.

The partners contributed ventures, products, services and institutional support, strengthening the creation of spaces for connection between academia, the productive sectors and the community.

She also highlighted the support of the team of the Honorable Deputy Yuzaida Marín, who provided logistical and food support to the participants and developed face painting and balloon twisting activities for children and families.

More than 50 businesses present

One of the main attractions of the day was the participation of more than 50 entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises, who had the opportunity to exhibit, promote and market their products and services.

The offering included costume jewelry, handicrafts, crochet, clothing, gastronomy, coffee, natural products, beauty, personal care, decoration, professional services and innovative proposals, among other initiatives.

The event also included the participation of members of the Golden Age Program for the Elderly, demonstrating that entrepreneurship can become an opportunity for growth and development at any stage of life.

Meanwhile, the merchants of the La Chorrera Public Market expanded the bazaar's offerings with fruits, vegetables, meats, and other consumer products, strengthening the link between the university and the local productive sectors.

Health, prevention and well-being

Entrepreneurship shared the spotlight with health and prevention. The Panama West Regional Health Ministry (MINSA) participated with a vaccination drive, while Clínica Hospital Saturno, Grupo EMI, dental clinics, opticians, Ventura Lab, Laboratorio San Francisco, and professionals from various fields offered services and guidance to attendees.

The community had access to services such as blood pressure checks, glucose testing, free eye exams, and preventative health guidance. The National Bank also participated in the event.

A platform to connect and grow

Beyond the marketing of products and services, the Second Entrepreneurship Bazaar allowed participants to give visibility to their brands, generate contacts, attract new clients and establish alliances.

For UMECIT, this type of initiative represents an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with the real needs and opportunities of society, strengthening skills and values such as innovation, creativity, leadership, self-management and social responsibility.

The participation of students, graduates, teachers, collaborators, institutions, companies, entrepreneurs and community members made this second edition a true space for integration, cooperation and growth.

More than a bazaar, a platform of opportunities

The Second UMECIT Entrepreneurship Bazaar – La Chorrera reaffirmed that the union of talents, wills and efforts can generate new opportunities for the community.

It was a space to undertake, learn, sell, buy, share, connect and create alliances, strengthening UMECIT's commitment to entrepreneurship, university extension and the economic, social and cultural development of West Panama.

Entrepreneurship • Health • Culture • Commerce • Innovation • Community • Opportunities