Virtual Hybrid Program – 12 Sessions
Program Overview
This program equips students with entrepreneurial and consulting skills to work with microenterprises in rural and urban communities in Panama. Students collaborate in small teams with clients to develop business plans, conduct industry research, and apply tools like the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and SWOT analysis.
The program integrates intercultural competence with bilingual deliverables (English and Spanish) and focuses on practical, skills-based learning through client engagement and reflective activities.
Program Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Kambia/Global Brigades and Overview of the Economic Context in Panama
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Introduction to Kambia/Global Brigades mission and vision.
- Overview of Panama’s economic and social context.
- Understanding social determinants impacting rural and urban communities.
- Introduction to international consulting principles: active listening, cultural awareness, and sustainable business solutions.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Reflect on strategies for creating sustainable business solutions in international contexts.
- Write a brief reflection on the role of consultants in addressing economic challenges in resource-limited settings.
Module 2: Challenges of Rural Entrepreneurs
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Challenges entrepreneurs face in rural and urban Panama.
- Understanding Global Brigades’ role in supporting businesses.
- Developing key communication skills: active listening, empathy, curiosity, respect, and openness to feedback.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Complete exercises on communication techniques for effective consulting.
- Research cultural norms and practices that affect business operations in Panama.
Module 3: Business Model Canvas (BMC)
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Introduction to the BMC framework.
- Learning to evaluate a business’s operations using BMC.
- Identifying key business outcomes and potential improvements.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Develop a list of client-specific questions based on the BMC framework.
- Draft a Spanish-language introduction to present to the client during the consultation.
Module 4: Client Meeting – Session 1
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Initial meeting with the client.
- Collecting qualitative information about the client’s business.
- Building rapport using communication skills learned in prior modules.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Summarize client session findings, including key challenges and goals.
- Reflect on strategies for building stronger client relationships.
Module 5: SWOT Analysis and Working Session 1
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Analyzing client businesses using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
- Identifying solutions to address the challenges highlighted in the BMC assessment.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Prepare follow-up questions to clarify business challenges during the next client session.
- Begin brainstorming potential solutions and strategies for client businesses.
Module 6: Client Meeting – Session 2
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Conducting a follow-up interview to clarify business challenges.
- Gathering input to refine proposed solutions.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Analyze interview results to draft an initial business plan.
- Document feedback on proposed solutions for further refinement.
Module 7: Working Session 2
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Developing and refining client business plans based on feedback.
- Preparing a presentation for review by a Local Business Expert.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Continue to revise business plans and prepare findings for expert feedback.
Module 8: Presentation to Local Business Expert
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Presenting findings and business plans to a Local Business Expert.
- Receiving professional feedback to improve business strategies.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Incorporate expert feedback into business plans and presentations.
Module 9: Written Report Preparation
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Compiling a comprehensive Written Report, including:
- Client profile.
- BMC and SWOT analysis.
- Detailed business plan with solutions and implementation timeline.
- Preparing an Executive Summary Presentation.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Finalize the Written Report and Executive Summary Presentation.
Module 10: Executive Summary Presentation
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Presenting Executive Summaries to peers, faculty, and facilitators.
- Receiving feedback to improve client deliverables.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Refine Written Reports and finalize client deliverables.
Module 11: Client Presentation
Contact Time: 2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Delivering finalized business plans and presentations to clients.
- Receiving client feedback and addressing final concerns.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Submit completed business plans and Written Reports.
Module 12: Reflection and Discussion
Contact Time: 1–2 hours (virtual session)
Key Topics:
- Reflecting on the consulting experience.
- Discussing lessons learned and future applications.
Self-Paced Follow-Up Activities:
- Submit reflections on the experience and final deliverables to faculty.