Women entrepreneurs in the EMPRO programme drive economic growth and job creation in the Dominican Republic

• The results show an 80% increase in job creation and 69% access to financing.

Dominican Republic, March 2026. — The Empresarias Progresando (EMPRO) programme, implemented in the Dominican Republic by INCAE Business School, is delivering compelling results in strengthening women-led businesses, according to the impact assessment carried out six months after the training process ended.

Of a total of 532 applications received, 49 women entrepreneurs completed the programme, following a process that included a levelling phase, specialised training and an in-person week in Costa Rica. The results show significant progress in business growth, job creation, adoption of digital tools and access to financing.

“This programme shows that investing in women’s business leadership is not just a socially responsible decision, but a clear bet on the country’s competitiveness,” said Gabriela Lucke, Director of INCAE’s Impact Center.

The Empresarias Progresando programme, implemented by INCAE Business School through its Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Leadership, with the support of Mastercard Strive, an initiative of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the PriceSmart Foundation and Banco BHD, has become a high-impact initiative for strengthening women-led businesses, promoting financial inclusion, creating jobs and contributing to the sustainable economic development of the Dominican Republic.

“This partnership is fully aligned with our vision and strategy of driving the growth of women micro-entrepreneurs in the region, recognising them as a key engine of resilience and financial growth,” said Jonathan Fantini-Porter, senior vice president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

Economic and business impact

1. Average monthly sales of the participating businesses practically tripled, and 27 of 45 entrepreneurs reported sustained increases in their average monthly sales.
2. Employment rose by 80%, with the creation of 450 new jobs, almost doubling the total payroll of the participating businesses.
3. 82% of the entrepreneurs developed new business opportunities, mainly by creating new products and services.

“The PriceSmart Foundation is convinced that investing in the talent and leadership of women entrepreneurs creates a multiplier effect in their communities.   This programme not only transformed businesses; it also empowered Dominican women and gave them opportunities to make an impact on the society around them,” said Angela Venza, Executive Director of the PriceSmart Foundation.

Digital transformation
At the start of the programme, 22% of the entrepreneurs did not use digital tools to manage their operations. By the end, 100% had implemented digital solutions, strengthening operational efficiency and decision-making.

Access to financing

1. 69% of the entrepreneurs accessed some form of financing, combining formal and alternative sources and external investment.

2. 47% obtained bank loans and, of this group, 76% accessed financing through Banco BHD.

“We are very pleased with the reach of this first edition of the EMPRO programme in the Dominican Republic. In terms of access to financing, 38%  of the participants improved how they manage their finances, with their average financial score rising from B to A. In addition, 22% of the participants increased their use of digital channels to manage their transactions and finances in general,” said Adrian Guzmán, senior vice president of the Branch Network at Banco BHD.

About INCAE

INCAE is a leading business school in Latin America, founded in 1964 by Harvard Business School. Its mission is to actively promote the comprehensive development of the countries it serves by training leaders for key sectors and improving their practices, attitudes and values by:

Fostering research, teaching and the dissemination of modern management concepts and techniques.

Strengthening analytical capacity and the understanding of economic, political and social phenomena.

Facilitating dialogue, understanding and collaboration between individuals, sectors and countries.

INCAE is a pioneer in the region in strategic, inclusive and sustainable leadership, with the promotion of diversity as a priority, through its Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Leadership (CELIS).

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth 

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.  

About the PriceSmart Foundation
The PriceSmart Foundation is a private U.S. foundation and the philanthropic partner of PriceSmart, Inc. Its mission is to strengthen comprehensive development in the markets where the company operates by supporting programmes that increase economic opportunities for young people and women.

The Foundation focuses its investments on initiatives that:

● Promote youth employability through technical and vocational training.
● Strengthen small and medium-sized businesses led by young people and women.
● Expand access to quality education and the development of skills for the future of work.

In this way, the PriceSmart Foundation combines PriceSmart’s business experience with a firm social commitment, contributing to the progress of communities in the countries where the company is present.

About Banco BHD

Banco BHD was founded on 24 July 1972. At that time, it was known as Banco Hipotecario, the first of its kind in the country. Over more than five decades of history, we have been pioneers in the local financial sector: from being the first multiple-service bank in the Dominican Republic to pioneering the implementation of a corporate governance model. Our forward-looking vision made us the national financial institution with the greatest international backing. Our partnership policy has also made it possible to offer customers comprehensive value propositions with banking products and services and other non-financial elements such as advice and training, among others.