JUMP, a platform that promotes entrepreneurship in Panama through a business competition in a reality TV show format, has announced the start of its second season. After an initial phase with around 1,800 registrations, eight entrepreneurs have qualified as finalists and are preparing to compete for an investment bag of B/.100,000. In its first season (2025), the initiative marked a milestone in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by delivering an investment bag of this magnitude. For this second edition, the program returns with a greater call, more demanding selection filters, and a strengthened ecosystem of allies. The path to the final stage has required overcoming various evaluation criteria, such as the formality of the company's constitution, growth potential, financial reports, and the entrepreneur's qualities. The 16 semifinalists received specialized financial instruction from Gabriel Holness, CEO of Bakertilly Panama. The eight finalists have participated in a nine-session entrepreneurship program developed with Ciudad del Saber, as well as strategic sessions with sponsors like BAC, Internacional de Seguros, and TVN, along with mentorship from high-level executives. The selected ventures currently generate 39 direct jobs and represent diverse sectors, including agriculture, logistics, employability with artificial intelligence, mass consumption products, gastronomy, and sustainable architecture. The culmination of the season will take place on Saturday, May 9, where the finalists will present their business pitch before investors Julio Spiegel, Brian Lutz, and Yescenia Navarro. The winner will receive the B/.100,000 investment bag, awarded according to the ability to demonstrate the business's impact and viability.
