Banco Delta rewards entrepreneurs who drive Panama’s growth at the award ceremony of the Entrepreneurs Growing 2025 contest.
- Hundreds of entrepreneurs and businessmen participated in the sixth edition of the contest.
- 15 finalists and 4 winners were recognized.
- Banco Delta awarded more than $11,000 in cash prizes, in addition to in-kind prizes from its sponsors.
Panama City, Panama, December 18, 2025. – Banco Delta held the awards ceremony for the sixth edition of the Entrepreneurs Growing 2025 Contest, an initiative that recognizes the impact of Panamanian micro and small businesses.
In this edition, hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners and current clients of Banco Delta applied nationwide. After a rigorous evaluation process, 15 finalists were selected, of which 4 entrepreneurs were recognized as grand winners, standing out for their inspiring story, business model, growth potential, creativity, commitment and sustainability.
The winners of Empresarios Creciendo 2025 were:
Delta Entrepreneur of the Year
Israel Ruíz Lorenzo, founder of Albios Panama, a company dedicated to the bioconversion of waste into protein and fertilizer.
Growing Entrepreneur
Rubén Darío Aguilar, founder of Chauchas Express Gourmet, an international cuisine handmade empanada business.
Growing Entrepreneur
Paula Renata Rodríguez Ayola, founder of Cocología Jabones, specialized in natural soaps and sustainable personal care products.
Committed to Sustainability
Paola Lizeth Ortiz Acosta, founder of Compostniendo El Planeta, an enterprise focused on composting and organic waste management.
In addition, 11 finalists received recognition and cash prizes for their outstanding participation.
During the competition, a jury made up of bank executives and representatives of the sponsors evaluated each application based on six main criteria: inspiring story, sustainability and community, growth potential, business model, creativity and differentiation, and entrepreneurial commitment. The process also included digital voting, allowing the public to participate in the final selection.
“Empresarios Creciendo is a platform that showcases real stories of entrepreneurs who generate employment, strengthen communities and contribute to the development of the country. Banco Delta reaffirms its commitment to accompany them in their growth with real opportunities,” said Juan E. Melillo, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Banco Delta.
The contest had the institutional support of AMPYME under the direction of its Director General, Raúl Fernández, as well as Sumarse, and the sponsorship of S3 Media Agency, RPC Radio, Caliente Panamá, Telemetro Radio, Editora La Victoria, ADEN Business School and Media Holding, key allies in strengthening the Panamanian business ecosystem.
With this sixth edition, Banco Delta reaffirms its commitment to micro and small businesses, promoting initiatives that recognize, support and enhance the growth of national entrepreneurship.
