6 Virtual Live Sessions, including 3 sessions with a Client
*This program includes activities that require review by the teacher
Program Overview
This program equips students with practical entrepreneurial and consulting skills, empowering them to support small-business owners in rural and urban communities across Panama. Through hands-on learning, students help local entrepreneurs overcome resource limitations and drive sustainable growth, all while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Students collaborate in small teams, working directly with Panamanian entrepreneurs to develop business plans, conduct market research, and apply strategic tools such as SWOT analysis to evaluate each business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This structured approach helps students identify actionable recommendations that align with the entrepreneur’s goals and available resources. The curriculum balances active client engagement with reflective learning, ensuring that students not only understand key business concepts but also sharpen their communication, adaptability, and analytical skills.
A key focus of the program is fostering intercultural competence, with bilingual (English/Spanish) deliverables that prepare students for meaningful cross-cultural collaboration. This immersive approach strengthens both their professional skills and their ability to navigate diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
By the program’s conclusion, students gain firsthand consulting experience, a deeper understanding of global economic challenges, and enhanced cultural awareness; qualities that serve them well in higher education and future careers. They leave with not just theoretical knowledge but the confidence to apply business principles in real-world settings.
We understand that every school has unique objectives, schedules, and student needs. Whether you’re looking to adjust the program length, modify team sizes, deepen cultural immersion, or integrate specific technology tools, our team is happy to tailor the experience to your priorities. Let’s work together to design a program that aligns with your curriculum and maximizes student growth.
Business Entrepreneurship Learning Objectives
Students that successfully complete the SWOT Analysis for Rural Micro Enterprises will be able to:
- Engage in real-time discussions with local business experts and rural entrepreneurs in Panama.
- Explore microfinance concepts and their key details.
- Discover how business principles are applied in small rural enterprises.
- Learn to use the SWOT analysis tool in a consulting context.
- Develop essential business communication and analytical skills.
- Strengthen intercultural competencies throughout the program.
Resources provided in support of the Virtual Sessions and Modules
- Bilingual facilitators and client liaisons who coordinate each virtual session with students.
- Students receive guidance from local business experts, as well as support from full-time local teams dedicated to assisting business clients
- All participants have access to electronic support materials through Canvas (LMS)
- Working in small groups, each class collaborates with one business client throughout the program
- Session scheduling that coordinates class meetings and meetings with business clients.
Virtual Sessions and Modules
Module 1 – Introduction to Global Brigades, Economic Context of Panama and Foundations of International Consulting
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Brief history of Global Brigades
- Program Introduction and Expectations
- Panama Country Overview
- Panama Business Program Overview
- Foundations of International Consulting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Strategies for Sustainable Business Solutions
- Assigned reading: Consulting Project Guide
Module 2 – Community Banking and SWOT Analysis Tool
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Eskala and the Community Banks
- Community Banks and Sustainable Interventions
- SWOT Analysis Tool
- SWOT Practice
- Client Profile Analysis
Post-Session Activities:
- Reflection: Foundations for Inclusive Economic Growth
- Practice the Spanish Business Package Resource
- Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
- Assigned reading: Deliverables Guide
Module 3 – Meet the Client – Consultation Day 1
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Initial client consultation and qualitative data collection
- Client Meeting Debrief
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Relationship-building strategies
- Summarize client challenges and goals
Module 4 – Meet the Client – Consultation Day 2
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present preliminary findings to the Client
- Follow-up interview to clarify business challenges
- Client Meeting Debrief
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: From Assumptions to Action
- Draft a SWOT analysis based on findings
- Start working on deliverables
Module 5 – Mentor Feedback
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present business plans for the local business expert to review
- Integrate feedback to strengthen strategies
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Communication Strategies
- Incorporate expert feedback into business plans and presentations
- Finalize Presentation and additional materials
Module 6 – Presentation to Client and Final Reflection
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Final Presentation to Client
- Deliver finalized SWOT to Client
- Address final Client feedback
- Reflection: Program Experience
Self-Paced Activities:
- Submit completed business plans and deliverables
- Complete the Final Business Squad Program Evaluation.