Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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10 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 industry-standard tools such as the Business Model Canvas and SWOT analysis. The curriculum balances active client engagement with structured reflection, ensuring students not only learn business concepts but also refine 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 in higher education and future careers. They leave with not just theoretical knowledge but also the confidence to apply business principles in real-world settings.

We understand that every school has unique objectives, schedules, and student needs. Whether you are 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 Business Planning 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 business assessment tools 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 Business Model Innovation

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • Eskala and the Community Banks
  • Community Banks and Sustainable Interventions
  • Business Model Canvas
  • BMC Practice

Post-Session Activities:

  • Reflection: Foundations for Inclusive Economic Growth
  • Watch two videos: “Getting from Business idea to Business Model” and “Visualizing your Business Model”
  • Assigned reading: Deliverables Guide

Module 3 –  Initial Client Meeting Preparation

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • Communication Skills
  • Key Pillars to have a Successful Business
  • Client Profile Analysis using the BMC

Self-Paced Activities:

    • Reflection: Social and Cultural Awareness
    • Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
  • Practice the Spanish Business Package Resource

Module 4 – 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 5 – Working Session 1 (SWOT Analysis)

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • SWOT Analysis Review
  • Analysis of the Client’s Business using the SWOT analysis
  • Continue BMC Analysis
  • Preparation for the Next Meeting

Self-Paced Activities:

  • Reflection: Cross-Cultural Business
  • Prepare follow-up questions for the client
  • Brainstorm preliminary business strategies

Module 6 – 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 an initial business plan based on findings
  • Start working on deliverables

Module 7 – Working Session 2 (Executive Summary Presentation)

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • Preparing the Executive Summary Presentation
    • Presentation includes BMC and SWOT analysis

Self-Paced Activities:

  • Reflection: Cultural Sensitivity
  • Revise presentation for the local business expert to review

Module 8 – 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 9 – Presentation Practice

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • Demonstrate final presentation to class, teacher, and Squads facilitators
  • Incorporate additional feedback to refine deliverables

Self-Paced Activities:

  • Polish presentation and deliverables for Presentation to Client

Module 10 – Presentation to Client and Final Reflection

Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session

Key Topics:

  • Final Presentation to Client
  • Deliver finalized business plans 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.

GET IN TOUCH

Click to schedule a call with our Program Director to learn more about our programs and how we can support your group in making an impact abroad!