Pro Mujer and Fundación Santander México announce a strategic partnership to strengthen the economic autonomy of 400 women entrepreneurs in Jalisco, Mexico, through gender-responsive training and tailored support.
The initiative will be implemented between January and December 2026 and will target women who start businesses out of necessity — many of them single heads of household, migrants, or living in low-income contexts — who face structural barriers to accessing specialized training and market opportunities.
In Latin America, millions of women do not become entrepreneurs by choice, but by necessity. Seven out of ten businesses in the region are created in response to economic urgency, and 90% of Emprende Pro Mujer users fall into this category. Without access to training, financing, and networks, their businesses face greater risks of informality and stagnation.
Through the Emprende Pro Mujer platform, 300 women will access a comprehensive digital training program that combines personalized guidance with dynamic content tailored to each stage of their entrepreneurial journey and accessible anytime, anywhere. The program covers key competencies such as leadership, digital skills, business management, personal development, financial education, and sales strategies, providing practical tools to strengthen and grow their businesses.
The project also incorporates a hybrid experience model, in which 100 women will receive online training combined with in-person support to guide them through the Emprende Pro Mujer pathway.
The Launch of Academia Santander
As part of the partnership, the organizations will develop Academia Santander, a training space designed jointly by both institutions. This program will offer specialized mentorship from experts and business leaders, with a focus on strategic management, financial education, and digital tools.
Academia Santander will provide a practical, hands-on learning experience, enabling participants to acquire specific knowledge, address real business challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. In addition to enhancing technical and financial capabilities, the initiative will foster soft skills development and informed decision-making — key factors for the sustainability and growth of women-led businesses.
“The partnership with Santander México allows us to take another step toward closing structural gaps. We seek to create real growth opportunities for women who have historically faced greater barriers to accessing training and markets. This collaboration reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to inclusive development and the generation of sustainable impact in Mexico,” said Anna Romanelli, Director of Education and Entrepreneurship at Pro Mujer.
