Providing entrepreneurship and socio-economic integration tools for migrants and refugees in the country

Panama City, November 1, 2022. Within the framework of the Integrated Response on Migration in Central America (IRM) program, which has the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Fundación Activados Panamá, as implementing partner, initiated a business acceleration program for migrants in Panama.

The program, which began with the participation of more than 50 migrants who gathered on July 9 at the headquarters of the Center for Innovation, Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (CIDETE) of the University of Panama, La Chorrera extension. In addition, other migrants will be participating in the start of the course in San Miguelito on July 30 and Las Mañanitas in September.

The preparation will be carried out by the professionals of the University Institute of Management and Technology (IUGT), an extension education training center that will be responsible for the training of the participants who, at the end of the program, will receive important seed capital support.

The initiative seeks to train and assist 150 migrants of different nationalities, through the formulation and implementation of entrepreneurship projects in Panamá Oeste and San Miguelito.

"Today we are kick-starting a new version of the Migrando al Emprendimiento program with the support of USAID. Several years ago, IOM and Activados Panamá began an important alliance that has generated excellent practices and learning. This new initiative is framed in a new approach, as we seek to accelerate business with migrants of various nationalities who already have their businesses settled," said Gonzalo Medina, IOM Panama’s National Project and Programme Officer.

Adriana Rincón, president of Fundación Activados Panamá, highlighted the opportunity that is being developed for migrants.

"Providing an answer on issues of entrepreneurship and economic integration, for Activados Panamá this is a great opportunity because we are taking into account different nationalities. More than six countries are represented in this cohort of

entrepreneurs that we are training together with IOM and USAID, and with the training support of the IUGT," she said.

Testimonies

"It is Incredible the opportunity they are giving us. I had never been on such a course. I learned many things and I take away a very valuable knowledge. I look forward to continuing to advance this program to continue growing”, said Luz Marina Reyes, a native of Nicaragua.

José Terán, from Venezuela, also was grateful for this project "because it will give me important knowledge," he said. “We are also sharing with people of various nationalities and getting to know the best out of each one," he added excitedly.

Triana Correa Díaz, from Colombia, stressed that it is very gratifying to be part of this group. "Learning different things, you feel like family. More than seed capital as such, what interests me most is learning and for that I have many expectations", she said.

For more information, contact IOM Panama's communications team via iompanama@iom.int