Guayacán invests $400K+ in EnterPRize’s 20th cohort
Grupo Guayacán closed the 20th anniversary edition of its EnterPRize Business Competition by awarding more than $400,000 in seed capital and in-kind prizes, marking a milestone year that graduated 25 companies and underscored the depth of Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial pipeline.
The ceremony highlighted businesses in design, decor, education, manufacturing, gastronomy and technology, reflecting the program’s widening economic impact.
Two companies received the top awards. Lau Pottery Studio, which designs and manufactures culinary-grade ceramic dinnerware, won first place and received $25,000 from Grupo Guayacán. It also earned the Fundación Ángel Ramos Arts and Culture Award for $20,000 and the True Self Award for $5,000, totaling $50,000 in seed capital.
Ilumi-Nation Lights Decor, a company that develops large-scale experiential installations, received $45,000 from two awards: the $20,000 Sí Se Puede Award and the $25,000 Mujer Empresaria Award supported by corporate partners.
“This anniversary edition reinforces our mission to promote Puerto Rico’s economic and social development by stimulating entrepreneurship and the growth of local businesses,” said Laura Cantero, executive director of Grupo Guayacán.
She said the program has supported nearly 500 companies and more than 1,000 entrepreneurs since 2005, deploying more than $3 million in seed capital.
Other emerging companies also received funding. COMET Web Platform, an education and support system for medical technologists, secured $25,000 from two awards.
Destilería Capellán earned $30,000 for its contributions to visitor-related economic activity. JOY 111 Foundation, focused on musical theater for young artists, also received support.
RIVA Solutions, a student-led water conservation startup, earned $25,000 and will represent Puerto Rico at the 2026 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards.
Food and agriculture ventures were also recognized. Bobet’s Bakehouse won the $20,000 Scale-Up Popular Award. Gelato Orquídea Negra received FirstBank’s $20,000 Uno con Puerto Rico Award. El Churro Bar received two $10,000 awards. Productos Mi Encanto received seed capital and agricultural land access through the Finca Explora prize.
The anniversary event also included a marketplace featuring 20 alumni companies and a panel reflecting on EnterPRize’s evolution and its role in supporting Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
