Foro Connect 2026 celebrates the 1st edition of the Premio Impulsa Connect and recognizes institutions in the region

The Foro Connect 2026 highlighted a special moment of celebration and recognition.

Following an intensive agenda focused on innovation, leadership, investment, financial inclusion, artificial intelligence, and tokenization, the Foro Connect paid tribute to those who give true meaning to this mission: the entrepreneurs and microfinance institutions that transform opportunities into progress for thousands of families across Latin America.

Impulsa Connect 2026 Award: Entrepreneurs Who Transform

For the first edition of the Premio Impulsa Connect, 19 nominations were received from 11 countries in the region: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Each story reflected the impact that inclusive finance can have on the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities.

Beyond selecting a single winner, the award sought to celebrate the effort, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of those who turn access to financing into growth, jobs, and well-being. Consequently, the five finalists were recognized as winners of a shared purpose: creating opportunities and transforming lives.

The top honor was awarded to Gloria Tabares, a client of Corporación Interactuar, whose journey stood out for her perseverance, business vision, and impact on her community.

Recognition was also given to the inspiring stories of Lorenza Viveros de Montiel (nominated by Fundación Paraguaya), Amílcar Ortez Quintanilla (nominated by Credicampo), Dressner Oufreld Sipac Xajpot (nominated by VisionFund Guatemala), and Belky del Socorro Fonseca Cáceres (nominated by FAMA OPDF); all of them embody the talent and entrepreneurial spirit driving the region’s development.

Recognition of regional institutions

The event also featured a tribute to the microfinance institutions within the Locfund Next community, acknowledging their commitment, track record, and impact on the lives of thousands of Latin American entrepreneurs and families.

The ceremony highlighted the loyalty and long-standing partnerships of organizations such as Arariwa Microfinanzas, Fundación Génesis Empresarial, Empresa de Crédito Alternativa SA, IDH Microfinanciera, AHSETFIN, Procaja, Financiera Visión Fund México, Maskapital, and FACES Microfinanzas.

Additionally, Corporación Interactuar received special recognition for the inspiration and contribution it provided to the development of the Impulsa Connect Award.

Recognition of a shared purpose

Both award ceremonies conveyed a clear message: behind every story of transformation lies a network of people and institutions committed to expanding opportunities and fostering development.

For the true impact of inclusive finance is measured not merely by loans granted, but by businesses strengthened, jobs created, and communities moving forward. Thus, Foro Connect 2026  celebrated those who make this shared mission possible and by remembering that, behind every entrepreneur who succeeds, there is an institution that believed in their potential from the very start.