FAQ

• What size offices are available for companies admitted into PBA?

  Average office size is 28.5 m2 (306.8 sq ft) and range from 10m2 (107.6 sq ft) to 60 m2 (645.8 sq ft).

• What is included with the offices?

  Offices include basic services such as electricity, air conditioning and water. They also include local telephone service, broadband Internet, access to training and meeting rooms, and use of the Office Center, where you can purchase office supplies, make photocopies, send and receive faxes, etc.

• What are the hours?

  Every user has an access card that allows him/her to enter the building 24 hours a day.

• How much do the offices cost?

  The price of offices for companies admitted into PBA is from 4.50 dollars per m2 up, depending on the kind of company.

• What is the Accelerator?

  The Don Alberto Motta Panama Business Accelerator is a center that promotes creation and development of innovating companies in a dynamic environment.

• What kinds of projects are accepted for Acceleration?

  Dynamic, innovating projects with a complete business plan, with an entrepreneur team of at least two people full time, and a high growth potential.

• What does the Accelerator offer?

  It identifies and selects ideas, projects and entrepreneurs qualifying for admission into the Panama Business Accelerator; it offers individual consulting services for Business Plan formulation; it provides Business Plan programs; it promotes the companies by presenting them at national events and fairs, provides access to the media and a group of expert consultants (Tutors); it gives support for securing initial funding capital (seed capital), and access to venture and credit capital sources.

• Does the Accelerator offer financial support?

  PBA manages and controls the Network of Investing Angels, who regularly meet and invest in innovating projects.

• Who makes the decision to admit companies into the Accelerator?

  First of all, the Evaluation Committee selects which projects may join the Accelerator, based on a series of defined criteria. Then they are submitted to the Managing Board for the final decision.

• Approximately how many companies have graduated from the Accelerator?

  About 15 companies have graduated, and 10 of them are currently in operation.

• How often do incubation companies move into the PBA?

  We do not really have specific dates for company admission. PBA is always open to receiving new dynamic and innovating projects, in order to help them grow as soon as possible.

• Must we have some fund or seed capital for the idea to be accepted?

  If you have the funds, that makes it quite easier, at least in the initial stages, but if you don’t, the project will be accepted anyway and you will be given support for securing investments.

• Do you accept ideas from foreigners?

  Yes.

• How long does the incubation process last?

  The incubation process may last from 1 to 3 years, depending on the research or study period required by the projects.

• Where are you located?

  Our location is Ciudad del Saber, Building 234, Clayton.

• Are you a governmental organization?

  We are not a governmental organization but a private non­profit foundation.

• How do you control plagiarism of ideas?

  All Accelerator staff work under a strict confidentiality agreement, which prevents dissemination of the projects reviewed.

• Is it possible for training sessions to be held on Saturdays?

  In some cases, they are held on Saturdays, depending on the needs of the group and the consultant’s availability.

• Are there any plans to take the training courses to other parts of the country in the short term?

  Depending on the number of people interested in the course, the Accelerator may consider the possibility of taking a specific course to other cities.