Virtual Program – 12 Sessions, including 3 sessions with a Client
*This program includes activities that require review by the professor
Program Overview
This program equips students with entrepreneurial and consulting skills to support entrepreneurs in rural and urban communities across Panama, helping them overcome resource limitations and drive growth.
Working in small teams, students collaborate directly with entrepreneurs (clients) to develop business plans, conduct industry research, and apply practical tools such as the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and SWOT analysis. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, blending client engagement with reflective activities to reinforce skills.
The program integrates intercultural competence with bilingual (English/Spanish) deliverables, ensuring students can effectively engage with local entrepreneurs. Guided by local professionals, students work closely with aspiring entrepreneurs in resource-limited areas, helping them build viable business plans. Through client interviews, microfinance concepts, industry research, and structured templates, students develop tailored solutions for real-world challenges.
Beyond technical skills, the program fosters cultural competence, enhancing collaboration and outcomes for community partners. By the end of the experience, students gain not only practical consulting expertise but also a deeper understanding of cross-cultural engagement and socioeconomic development.
We understand that every group has unique learning objectives and logistical needs. Whether you’re interested in adjusting the program length, scheduling flexibility, team size, cultural immersion depth, or technology use, our team is happy to tailor this experience to your goals.
Contact us to discuss how we can adapt the curriculum and schedule to align with your institution’s priorities.
Business Entrepreneurship Learning Objectives
Students that successfully complete the Business Entrepreneurship Program will be able to:
- Analyze economic and social challenges affecting rural communities in a developing country
- Examine microfinance principles and their application in community banking systems
- Consult with clients in both rural and urban communities to assess their business needs
- Collaborate within teams to evaluate a business’s strengths and weaknesses, developing tailored solutions
- Present actionable recommendations to clients, focusing on financial growth, market competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Resources provided in support of the Virtual Sessions and Modules
- Bilingual facilitators and client liaisons who coordinate each virtual session with students. The client liaisons provide translation during virtual sessions involving business clients, ensuring clear communication
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:
- Mission and vision and brief history of Global Brigades
- Program Introduction and Expectations
- Panama Country Overview and Economic Context
- Client Selection Process
- Foundations of International Consulting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Strategies for sustainable Business Solutions
- Assigned reading: Consulting Project Guide
Module 2 – Building Resilient Businesses in Panama
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Entrepreneurship in Panama
- Pillars to be a Successful Entrepreneur
- Challenges of rural Entrepreneurs of Panama
- Panama’s Economic Disparities
- Global Brigades Business Program and the Community Banks
- Communication Skills for Business Analysis
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Importance of Education on the Development of a Community
- Watch two videos: “Getting from Business idea to Business Model” and “Visualizing your Business Model”
- Assigned reading: Deliverables Tool Guide
Module 3 – The Business Model Canvas and Client Meeting Preparation
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Introduction to the Business Model Canvas framework and practice
- Getting to Know Your Client
- Analyzing Your Client’s Profile using the BMC Framework
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
- Draft client-specific questions based on the BMC
- Practice the Spanish Business Package Resource
Module 4 – Client Meeting (Session 1)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Initial client consultation and qualitative data collection
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Relationship-building strategies
- Summarize client challenges and goals
Module 5 – Working Session 1 (SWOT Analysis)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Analysis of the Client’s Business using the SWOT analysis
- Identify possible solutions to the challenges identified in the meeting with the Client
- Preparation for the Next Meeting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare follow-up questions for the client
- Brainstorm preliminary business strategies
Module 6 – Client Meeting (Session 2)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present preliminary findings to the Client
- Follow-up interview to clarify business challenges
Self-Paced Activities:
- Draft an initial business plan based on findings
- Start working on deliverables
Module 7 – Working Session 2 (Final Presentation Development)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics
- Refine business plans post-client feedback
- Prepare presentation for the local business expert to review
Self-Paced Activities:
- Revise presentation for the local business expert to review.
Module 8 – Local Business Expert Review
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:
- Incorporate expert feedback into business plans and presentations.
Module 9 – Working Session 3 (Deliverables Refinement)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Work on the Final Presentation to Client (Including, but not limited to: client profile, BMC and SWOT analysis, deliverables and suggestions with implementation timeline).
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Cultural Factors that impact Consulting
- Finalize Presentation and additional materials
Module 10 – Executive Summary Presentation and Class Feedback
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Demonstrate final presentation to class, faculty, and Kambia facilitators
- Incorporate additional feedback to refine deliverables
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Client Involvement
- Polish presentation and deliverables for Presentation to Client
Module 11 – Client Presentation
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Final Presentation to Client
- Deliver finalized business plans to Client
- Address final Client feedback
Self-Paced Activities:
- Submit completed business plans and deliverables
Module 12 – Reflection and Discussion
Contact Time: 1 hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Reflection: Program Experience
- Lessons learned and future applications
Self-Paced Activities:
- Complete the Final Business Program Evaluation.