Friends of Puerto Rico

Friends of Puerto Rico Non-profit 501 (c)(3) supporting the economic development of the people of Puerto Rico since 2015.

Friends of Puerto Rico is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports economic development and education through results-oriented entrepreneurial initiatives focused on sustainability and self-sufficiency for the people of Puerto Rico. Since 2015, we have mobilized a passionate community of over 30,000 global entrepreneurs, donors, and partner organizations focused on driving economic succes

s and innovation to cultivate the next generation of leaders. We focus on small business training and access to capital, youth STEM entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Our programs include two inclusive business centers (Aguadilla Business Center and Metro Women's Business Center), SEEDS, Café Ama Love, and Panorama Farm.

Si tienes un negocio o estás emprendiendo en San Sebastián, esta es tu oportunidad de acceder en una sola tarde a respue...
06/15/2026

Si tienes un negocio o estás emprendiendo en San Sebastián, esta es tu oportunidad de acceder en una sola tarde a respuestas, recursos y conexiones que pueden impulsar tu crecimiento.

¿Tienes dudas sobre permisos, financiamiento o cómo hacer crecer tu negocio? No las dejes para después. Aquí podrás conectar directamente con organizaciones, programas y oportunidades diseñadas para apoyar a empresarios como tú.

📍 Centro de Bellas Artes de San Sebastián
📅 Martes, 28 de julio de 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

💡 Una sola tarde puede abrirte puertas que tu negocio necesita hoy.

🎟️ Espacios limitados regístrate aquí https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/rutaempresarial/index.html
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If you own a business or are starting one in San Sebastián, this is your opportunity to access answers, resources, and connections in just one afternoon that can help accelerate your growth.

Do you have questions about permits, funding, or how to grow your business? Don’t put them off for later. Here you’ll be able to connect directly with organizations, programs, and opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs like you.

📍 Centro de Bellas Artes de San Sebastián
📅 Tuesday, July 28, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

💡 One afternoon could open the doors your business needs today.

🎟️ Limited spaces — register here https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/rutaempresarial/index.html

¿Estás pensando en contratar personal para tu negocio? 👥Antes de hacerlo, asegúrate de conocer las responsabilidades que...
06/15/2026

¿Estás pensando en contratar personal para tu negocio? 👥

Antes de hacerlo, asegúrate de conocer las responsabilidades que vienen con ese próximo paso.

Tomar decisiones informadas desde el principio puede ayudarte a evitar errores comunes, proteger tu negocio y manejar tu equipo con mayor confianza.

En este taller aprenderás aspectos esenciales que todo patrono debe conocer para contratar de forma responsable y segura.

📅 Jueves, 25 de junio
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Aguadilla Business Center

🚨 Los espacios son limitados. Regístrate hoy y prepárate para tu próxima contratación https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/protegetunegocio/index.html


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Thinking about hiring employees for your business? 👥

Before you do, make sure you understand the responsibilities that come with this important next step.

Making informed decisions from the start can help you avoid common mistakes, protect your business, and manage your team with confidence.

In this workshop, you'll learn key employment and compliance topics every employer should know to hire responsibly and effectively.

📅 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Aguadilla Business Center

🚨 Space is limited. Register today and get prepared for your next hire! https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/protegetunegocio/index.html

¿Tienes una idea innovadora y buscas cómo financiarla? 💡Únete a este Live InfoSession de Colmena66 sobre America’s Seed ...
06/01/2026

¿Tienes una idea innovadora y buscas cómo financiarla? 💡

Únete a este Live InfoSession de Colmena66 sobre America’s Seed Fund Week, un evento virtual gratuito que conecta a emprendedores con la mayor fuente de financiamiento temprano para investigación y desarrollo en Estados Unidos.

En este live conocerás:
✔️ Qué es America’s Seed Fund
✔️ Cómo funcionan las oportunidades SBIR/STTR (más de $5B en fondos no dilutivos)
✔️ Cómo prepararte para solicitar financiamiento
✔️ Qué esperar del evento y cómo aprovecharlo al máximo

Además, America’s Seed Fund Week te permitirá aprender de líderes del sector público y privado, conectar con agencias federales y descubrir recursos clave para impulsar tu innovación.

🌟 Este evento es presentado por Colmena66, el programa de apoyo al emprendimiento y la innovación del Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, dedicado a conectar emprendedores con recursos, mentoría y oportunidades de crecimiento.

¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de llevar tu proyecto al próximo nivel!

Regístrate aquí https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acercate-al-grant-tour-aguadilla-business-center-tickets-1990119348544?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

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Do you have an innovative idea and are looking for funding? 💡

Join this Colmena66 Live InfoSession on America’s Seed Fund Week, a free virtual event that connects entrepreneurs with the largest early-stage funding source for research and development in the United States.

In this live session you will learn:
✔️ What America’s Seed Fund is
✔️ How SBIR/STTR opportunities work (over $5B in non-dilutive funding)
✔️ How to prepare to apply for funding
✔️ What to expect from the event and how to make the most of it

In addition, America’s Seed Fund Week will allow you to learn from leaders in the public and private sectors, connect with federal agencies, and discover key resources to help accelerate your innovation.

🌟 This event is presented by Colmena66, the entrepreneurship and innovation support program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, dedicated to connecting founders with resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your project to the next level!

Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acercate-al-grant-tour-aguadilla-business-center-tickets-1990119348544?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Do you have employees or are you planning to hire?Protect your business from costly mistakes.What you don’t know about e...
06/01/2026

Do you have employees or are you planning to hire?

Protect your business from costly mistakes.

What you don’t know about employment laws can impact your business. In this workshop, we will cover key topics every employer should understand to operate confidently and stay compliant:

✓ Required employee benefits
✓ Essential employment laws
✓ Employees vs. independent contractors
✓ How to protect your business with proper documentation

Presented by:

Attorney Joel E. Méndez Yulfo
JMY Legal Services & HR Counseling

📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Aguadilla Business Center

🎟️ Limited seating | Register today https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/protegetunegocio/index.html

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¿Tienes empleados o piensas contratar?
Protege tu negocio de errores costosos.

Lo que no sabes sobre leyes laborales puede afectar tu empresa. En este taller cubriremos los aspectos clave que todo patrono debe conocer para operar de forma correcta y segura:

✓ Beneficios obligatorios
✓ Leyes laborales esenciales
✓ Empleados vs. contratistas independientes
✓ Cómo proteger tu negocio con la documentación adecuada

Taller presentado por:
Lcdo. Joel E. Méndez Yulfo
JMY Legal Services & HR Counseling

📅 Jueves, 25 de junio de 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Aguadilla Business Center
🎟️ Espacios limitados | Regístrate hoy https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/protegetunegocio/index.html

05/22/2026

On May 20, the teams from Friends of Puerto Rico and Metro Women’s Business Center participated in a meeting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to share the impact and progress achieved through programs supporting adults, entrepreneurs, and community development initiatives across Puerto Rico.

During the meeting, the team highlighted results, ongoing efforts, and opportunities focused on strengthening economic development, access to resources, and long-term community growth.

We are grateful to the team for taking the time to learn more about our work, engage in meaningful conversations, and continue supporting initiatives that create opportunities for communities across Puerto Rico.

A valuable space for collaboration, connection, and shared commitment toward stronger and more resilient communities.

On May 15, the Career Services Office at the San Sebastián Campus of EDP University celebrated the closing of the entrep...
05/19/2026

On May 15, the Career Services Office at the San Sebastián Campus of EDP University celebrated the closing of the entrepreneurship workshops alongside Coop Pepiniana.

Students presented their business plans and received valuable insights to strengthen their ideas in a day full of creativity and learning. Friends of Puerto Rico (FOPR) served as part of the judging panel during the presentations and later provided private one-on-one feedback sessions.

A meaningful experience filled with growth, ideas, and new opportunities 🚀
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El pasado 15 de mayo, la Oficina de Servicios de Carrera del Recinto de San Sebastián de EDP University celebró el cierre de los talleres de emprendimiento junto a Coop Pepiniana.

Los estudiantes presentaron sus planes de negocio y recibieron valiosas recomendaciones para fortalecer sus ideas en una jornada llena de creatividad y aprendizaje. Friends of Puerto Rico (FOPR) participó como parte del jurado durante las presentaciones y posteriormente ofreció sesiones privadas de retroalimentación uno a uno.

Una experiencia llena de crecimiento, ideas y nuevas oportunidades 🚀

05/17/2026

Hoy estuvimos en Marshalls Social Good Club ✨ una tarde llena de conversaciones, comunidad e inspiración.

Y hablando de oportunidades… 💼💫
Esto es parte de lo que encontrarás en Mujer Capital 2026:

✔️ Más de 15 entidades financieras y organizaciones de apoyo empresarial
✔️ Workshops sobre acceso a capital, inteligencia artificial e incentivos contributivos
✔️ Networking estratégico con mujeres empresarias y líderes
✔️ “Coffee con Propósito” junto a Café Ama ☕
✔️ Historias reales de crecimiento empresarial

Y lo mejor: la entrada al evento es GRATIS 🙌

Los $20 son únicamente para cubrir almuerzo, café y la experiencia completa del evento.

Regístrate aquí https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mujer-capital-tickets-1989113354589?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

SAVE THE DATEJoin us on September 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for the Friends of Puerto Rico Capitol Hill Summit — bri...
05/12/2026

SAVE THE DATE

Join us on September 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for the Friends of Puerto Rico Capitol Hill Summit — bringing together Members of Congress, business leaders, changemakers, and advocates committed to Puerto Rico’s future.

📍 Rayburn House Office Building, United States Congress Washington, D.C.

Engage in meaningful conversations, build strategic connections, and be part of the initiatives shaping economic growth and opportunity for Puerto Rico.

Register here: https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/2026capitolhillsummit

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SAVE THE DATE

Acompáñanos este 29 de septiembre de 2026 en Washington, D.C. para el Capitol Hill Summit de Friends of Puerto Rico, reuniendo a miembros del Congreso, líderes empresariales, agentes de cambio y defensores comprometidos con el futuro de Puerto Rico.

📍 Rayburn House Office Building, United States Congress Washington, D.C.

Sé parte de conversaciones de impacto, crea conexiones estratégicas y únete a las iniciativas que impulsan el crecimiento económico y las oportunidades para Puerto Rico.

Regístrate aquí: https://friendsofpuertorico.salsalabs.org/2026capitolhillsummit

Gracias por acompañarnos y por compartir información tan valiosa con nuestros estudiantes 💙
05/12/2026

Gracias por acompañarnos y por compartir información tan valiosa con nuestros estudiantes 💙

05/12/2026

Last week, leaders from 20 organizations across 12 states and Puerto Rico wrapped the Lending Learning Lab.

Together, they’ve already helped reach more than 9,400 small businesses—and deployed over $5.3 million in their communities.

That’s what expanding access to capital looks like on the ground.

We’re excited to see what they build next.

Congratulations to our graduates!

Causa Local

Adelante Mujeres

LAEDA

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation

El Centro Hispano, Inc.

Friends of Puerto Rico

Entre Capital

Address

1050 30th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20007

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18887787284

Website

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