Academic and community participation drives entrepreneurship at the La Chorrera International Fair

UMECIT actively participated in the entrepreneurship, business motivation and workshops
Business strengthening activities developed within the framework of the International Fair of La
Chorrera, an initiative aimed at boosting the economic and social development of the region.
The training sessions were provided by professionals from the Microfinance Authority,
Small and Medium Enterprise (AMPYME), Panama West regional, from its stand
institutional activities within the fair. Senior citizens participated in these activities.
linked to the university extension project “Golden Age” at the La Chorrera campus,
as well as teachers and students of the Bachelor's degrees in Bilingual Tourism and Administration
in Environmental Management.

The workshops represented a valuable opportunity for the participants, providing them with
tools and knowledge that strengthen their capabilities as entrepreneurs, both
in the academic field as well as in the development of independent productive initiatives.
Diverse attendees—students, teachers, external entrepreneurs, and adults
older adults—enriched the exchange of experiences and knowledge, creating a space for
collaborative and intergenerational learning.

This participation also helped to strengthen the cooperation agreement between AMPYME and
UMECIT, promoting institutional integration, the dissemination of knowledge and the
development of entrepreneurial skills in the community.

In addition, training sessions were developed for artisans.
cultural aspects present at the fair, addressing topics of traditional and digital marketing, as well
such as the importance of handicrafts within the tourism sector. These actions
They contributed to the strengthening of trade fair tourism and the promotion of products
handicrafts as key elements of cultural identity and economic development.

The positive impact of these training sessions in the following areas was also highlighted:
gastronomic, cultural and artisanal, benefiting various actors involved in these
areas. With these initiatives, UMECIT reaffirms its commitment to university outreach
and its connection with the social environment, consolidating itself as a comprehensive institution
committed to community development.