Travesía al Éxito offers $20K, year-long Plaza Las Américas kiosk to winner
Plaza Las Américas and Banco Popular have opened applications for the fifth edition of Travesía al Éxito Empresarial, an entrepreneurship competition aimed at helping Puerto Rico’s small business owners accelerate growth.
Supported again by WAPA-TV, this year’s program offers larger financial awards, extended benefits and expanded exposure for participants.
The winner will receive a rent-free kiosk at Plaza Las Américas for one year, $20,000 in seed capital from Banco Popular, eight personalized mentorship sessions, participation in the post-acceleration program Next, and an exclusive financial education workshop.
Both the cash award and kiosk benefit have doubled from previous editions, with the seed capital rising from $10,000 to $20,000 and the rent-free period extended from six months to a year.
Puerto Rico-based entrepreneurs aged 21 or older with businesses operating between one and three years may apply through Sept. 5. Franchises, subsidiaries and businesses that have operated in a shopping center in the last 12 months are ineligible.
A judging panel will review applications and select up to 10 semifinalists for interviews, narrowing the field to five finalists. Before presenting their business plans, finalists will attend a financial education workshop to strengthen their proposals and prepare for potential expansion.
The program’s public event, the Travesía al Éxito Showcase, is scheduled for Oct. 17–18 at Plaza Las Américas. Finalists will interact with customers, make sales and test their products or services in a high-traffic retail setting, gathering feedback ahead of the final selection.
“At Banco Popular, we understand that small businesses are a key force in Puerto Rico’s economic development,” said Jorge García-Noya, first vice president of Business Banking. “Partnering with Plaza Las Américas and WAPA Television for the second consecutive year opens real doors for business owners.”
WAPA Media CEO Jorge Hidalgo said the broadcaster’s role is to “expand the exposure of participants through our platforms, highlighting their stories and helping propel projects that are vital to strengthening Puerto Rico’s economy.”
Entrepreneur Nerma Albertorio Barnés will return as mentor and consultant, guiding the winner in preparation for opening operations at Plaza Las Américas by April 2026.
