He Dominican Popular Bank recognized various entrepreneurship innovative and with social impact developed by people over 60 years of age, during the first edition of Boost yourself Silvera pioneering program that promotes senior talent and intergenerational entrepreneurship.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with ENLACES – Network of Angel Investors and marks a milestone in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering an exclusive platform to make visible and support projects led by older adults.
A statement from the institution indicates that the program includes a training phase intensive, personalized advice and one targeted award to promote sustainable business ideas, with social value and economic impact. The organizers highlighted that Boost yourself Silver seeks to demonstrate that age does not limit the ability to undertake and create innovative solutions.
Winners of the first edition
The big winner of this first edition was Mrs. Yvette Vinasfounder of Love Pop Artisan Popsiclesa project dedicated to the production of natural popsicles, low in sugar and free of additives. Its focus on health and respect for the environment earned it first place, which includes RD$1.5 million and personalized advice to scale your business.
In the Social Impact category, the recognition went to Mrs. Rosanna Geronimocreator of CENIT Therapeutic Intervention Centerlocated in Bávaro. This space offers services neuroeducation and therapy of speech for children, currently being the only specialized center in the entire eastern zone. His human and professional value has made him a reference model, with expansion plans to continue impacting children.
In the Innovation category, the winner was Mrs. Carmen Sotocreator of Huitan artisan workshop of personalized headdresses for brides and quinceañeras. Its proposal stood out for its high degree of innovation, scalability, product-market fit, and its positioning in a little-explored niche in the country. Both Gerónimo and Soto received RD$500,000 each, in addition to specialized advice provided by ENLACES.
The jury also awarded special mentions to Yayi’s Punchesby Mrs. Migdalia Taveras, for reinventing a traditional Dominican drink, since DulcittoMHby Martha Herrera, for transforming the cut dulce de leche into a gourmet product. Both initiatives received financial recognition of RD$250,000.
Entrepreneurship without age
- “The Silver stage is not a closure. It is the chapter where one does not do things out of obligation, but out of passion. Where experience becomes an advantage. Where maturity becomes a driving force,” he expressed Giselle Morenovice president of the Marketing Area of Banco Popular, during the award ceremony.
The entrepreneurial spirit has no expiration date
Boost yourself Silver seeks to break down stereotypes and demonstrate that the entrepreneurial spirit has no expiration date, highlights the Popular Group initiative.
Through a national call10 were selected entrepreneurship finalists among dozens of applications. These participants received specialized training by experts from Popular and ENLACES, and presented their proposals before a multidisciplinary jury.
The selection criteria included innovation, scalability, social impact and financial viability. To participate, at least one team member had to be 60 years old or older and actively involved in project management. Furthermore, the entrepreneurship They had to have less than five years of operation and be legally incorporated in the Dominican Republic.
