Banco Pichincha has expanded its Ser Impulso Mujer program to support the generational transition of family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ecuador. With over 90% of SMEs in the country being family businesses, their continuity is seen as a critical challenge for the national economy.
The initiative now offers training scholarships aimed at preparing future successors with key tools and knowledge to lead, transform, and project their family businesses into the future. According to Paola Menéndez, an expert in business segments and SMEs, “With a comprehensive vision, we strengthen those who lead today and prepare new generations who will ensure the transformation and sustainability of their companies.”
The first edition of this scholarship program took place in November 2025 as part of Banco Pichincha’s annual SER Impulso Mujer initiative. It focused on developing leadership skills, management capabilities, and business vision among young members of family businesses. The program also encouraged networking and experience sharing among participants to strengthen intergenerational ties during periods of business growth or succession.
Eighteen participants between 19 and 30 years old were selected by commercial teams and bank management based on close relationships with SME clients. Priority was given to children of women SME clients with whom the bank had established trust and ongoing collaboration.
The training lasted 40 hours across five modules delivered by Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA). The curriculum included real case studies from family businesses through workshops, individual assignments, group exercises, and interactive activities designed to foster strategic decision-making.
Modules covered topics such as artificial intelligence applications in business decision-making; commercial strategy including sales team organization; digital outreach strategies involving audience definition and marketing campaigns; corporate finance focusing on financial statement analysis; and agile methodologies like Scrum for project management within family firms.
A second edition is scheduled for March 2026 at Universidad Católica in Ambato, aiming to reach more regions across Ecuador.
Banco Pichincha intends this first cycle to serve as a foundation for expanding the program further. “The experience and lessons learned from this initial cycle will help strengthen our training offering,” said representatives from the bank. They emphasize that sustainable growth for SMEs depends not only on access to financial solutions but also on talent development, planning, and inclusion. Initiatives such as SER Impulso Mujer are positioned as part of a broader commitment toward building a stronger productive ecosystem in Ecuador.
