RESPOND promotes resilience, economic recovery, and the growth of small businesses in western Puerto Rico.

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico — The RESPOND Puerto Rico program continues to strengthen small business development across the western region of the island, establishing itself as an initiative focused on promoting business resilience, improving competitiveness, expanding growth opportunities, and supporting the region’s economic stability.

Led by Friends of Puerto Rico in collaboration with the municipalities of Aguadilla, San Sebastián, and Las Marías, the program provides technical assistance, mentorship, and specialized training to help businesses optimize operations and expand their development capacity.

Growing Impact Across the Region

Since its implementation, RESPOND has worked with more than 500 small businesses throughout western Puerto Rico, reflecting a strong and consistent interest from the business sector in strengthening capabilities and accessing new opportunities.

Nearly 1,000 participants have taken part in workshops, mentorship sessions, and individualized technical assistance. Altogether, the program has delivered more than 1,900 hours of training and approximately 400 hours of direct support focused on financial management, digitalization, operational efficiency, and business compliance.

Practical Training to Strengthen Operations

The program’s approach centers on practical tools that businesses can directly apply to their day-to-day operations.

Through workshops and specialized guidance, more than 40 companies have received direct mentorship to strengthen internal processes, improve business planning, and advance the structure of their business models.

This support has contributed to providing participating businesses with stronger foundations for medium- and long-term growth.

Impact on Employment and Operational Stability

One of the program’s most significant outcomes can be seen in employment.

To date, participating businesses have reported:

• 81 jobs retained
• 16 new jobs created

These figures reflect progress in business stability and the ability of companies to sustain and expand their workforce.

Connecting Businesses with Funding Opportunities

A key component of the program has been the “Bridge to Capital: Demo Day” initiative, designed to bring together entrepreneurs, mentors, financial institutions, and business support organizations in one collaborative space.

Through this initiative, participating businesses have strengthened their business presentations, improved their readiness for investment and financing processes, and expanded access to potential sources of capital to support project growth.

Featured Success Story

Among the participants is Sonia Rodríguez, a grief counselor developing a community support center in western Puerto Rico.

Through RESPOND, she worked on strengthening her business model, refining her proposal, and preparing for funding opportunities. Her participation in the Demo Day generated interest from a local financial institution, advancing the consolidation of her project.

Her experience reflects the type of impact the program continues to create among participants.

Looking Ahead

RESPOND continues its implementation with a focus on the following areas:

• Expanding access to capital for small businesses
• Continuing mentorship and specialized technical assistance
• Increasing job creation and retention
• Strengthening digital and operational capabilities

The program remains committed to supporting the sustained growth of local businesses and the economic development of western Puerto Rico.