International Business Consulting Experience
Partner with entrepreneurs, analyze real business challenges, and deliver consulting recommendations that create measurable impact.
Why Global Brigades
"Our mission is to inspire, mobilize, and collaborate with communities to achieve their own health and economic goals."
Economic development experience
Universities engaged
Of partner communities
Candid 501c3 non-profit
Year-round local staff
Empowered Business Consulting is the student-led division of Global Brigades, a renowned 501c3 non-profit bringing two decades of international economic development experience and a network of hundreds of partner communities to your home or class.
Welcome to Empowered Business Consulting
Join an International Network
Global Brigades has worked with more than 100 universities over the past 20+ years, and partners with the UNDP, Kiva, the World Bank and some of the world's biggest development agencies.
Recognized by and partnered with:
Meet a Community
Every project begins with understanding the unique engineering challenge facing one of our partner communities. Real engineering empowerment means designing water systems around the specific, tangible needs identified by the communities themselves.
Client Profile: Maria
Panama
Age 41
BACKGROUND
Runs a small family store supporting 4 dependents.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
No bookkeeping system makes it hard to price products profitably.
BARRIERS
Limited access to business training and affordable credit.
HOW WE HELP
- Margins improved; qualified for a community bank loan.
Client Profile: Kwame
Ghana
Age 35
BACKGROUND
Tailor expanding into school uniforms.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Needs working capital and a marketing strategy to reach new customers.
BARRIERS
No formal financial statements to support a loan application.
HOW WE HELP
Students prepared cash flow projections and a loan recommendation via Kiva
- Loan approved; first bulk order delivered.
Client Profile: Eleni
Greece
Age 29
BACKGROUND
Entrepreneur launching a catering service in Athens.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Needs help formalizing the business and building a customer base.
BARRIERS
Limited marketing tools and startup capital.
HOW WE HELP
Students created a Business Model Canvas, brochures, and an action plan.
- First recurring catering contracts secured.
What You'll Deliver
Make a Sustainable Community Impact
1
New Business Perspectives
Clients collaborate with university students who bring fresh ideas, research, and an outside perspective to their business challenges.
2
Pro-Bono Consulting
Clients receive business recommendations and practical tools developed by university student teams at no cost.
3
Business Investment Opportunities
Eligible clients may access affordable loans through Kiva or receive materials to support approved business improvements.
4
Continued Follow-Up
Global Brigades staff follow up with clients after the program to support the implementation of recommendations and monitor progress.
Note: Students consult with the support of Global Brigades business staff.
Your Role During Brigade
Career and Leadership Outcomes
For students in business, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact
Where We Work
Empowered Business Consulting operates in four program countries. Get immersed in the culture and economy of Belize, Panama, Ghana, or Greece while consulting real businesses and community banks.
Why Entrepreneurs Need Consulting
Many small businesses have great products and dedicated owners, but lack access to affordable consulting services. Students help fill that gap by providing fresh perspectives, practical tools, and actionable recommendations under the guidance of experienced Global Brigades staff.
- Limited access to affordable loans and capital
- Pro-bono business consulting is otherwise inaccessible
- Lack of formal financial statements and bookkeeping
- Long-Term Sustainability: Designing systems communities can maintain independently
- Limited marketing tools and market reach
- Little formal training in inventory, pricing, and accounting
- Difficulty demonstrating payment capacity to lenders
- Few professional mentors and follow-up support
Belize
Belize Empowered Consulting Program gives students the opportunity to take part in the economic transformation of under-resourced, rural communities. In 2024, Global Brigades furthered its work in Central America with expansion to the country of Belize. Through collaboration with community partners and local leaders, we have begun the initial steps in implementing the Holistic Model with rural communities. We aim to collaborate with Latino, Garifuna, and Mayan communities, where there are an array of cultures and languages such as English, Spanish, Creole, and local indigenous languages. financially excluded.
In the consulting program, students will work directly with clients to provide practical, effective consultations that help community members grow their businesses. To further ensure sustainability and lasting impact, students will deliver financial literacy workshops to provide community members with lasting knowledge.
Donations Goals
$1,590
Avg. airfare $780
Lodging Facilities
Global Brigades does an annual safety review of all lodging facility partners each year. Lodging facilities provide pillows, bedsheets and towels. Facilities have showers, toilets and sinks with running water (no hot water) as well as filtered clean drinking water dispensers onsite. 24-hour security is provided at all facilities. Conditions are most similar to a comfortable summer camp, with dormitory-style sleeping and shared bathrooms.
Engineering Brigades are assigned to lodging facilities based on proximity to the partner community they will be working with.
Hotel y Club Morazan
Hotel y Club Morazan sits along the Pan-American highway in the south of Honduras. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo – a fairly large town in Honduras – in the department of Valle. Although this facility does function as a hotel when students are not present, all compound rules that apply at our other compounds apply here as well, including that all students must stay on hotel premises at all times unless accompanied by staff members. Here, brigaders can enjoy the hotel pool and several indoor and outdoor lounge areas. Global Brigades has used this hotel for approximately 4 years, since the beginning of Medical and Dental brigades began working in the south of Honduras.
Hotel del Angel
Hotel del Angel facility is located approximately 1.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, in the department of La Paz. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views. Global Brigades has used the Hotel del Angel facility since the first Medical Brigades in La Paz and Comayagua back in March 2019.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
El Censo
The El Censo lodging facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the El Censo facility for more than 2 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Hotel Novotel
Novotel sits in the center of Panama City, about 40 minutes from Panama’s international airport. Global Brigades Panama began using this hotel in 2018 to accommodate any brigades that needed to stay in Panama City. Brigades do not typically stay in Panama City; Global Brigades Panama only uses this facility during emergencies and cases involving extenuating circumstances. Emergency medical care is available in several hospitals in the city.
Hacienda Doña Victoria
Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria is located in the county of Campana, Capira District, just 40 minutes from Panama City (West Panama). The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool, hammocks, BBQ and their Comfortable private rooms with air conditioning.
Hostal Finca Ely
Hostal Finca Ely is located in Tambo, Coclé about 2 a half an hour drive from Penonomé Centre, in West Panama. The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool and their Comfortable rooms.
Oasis de Bendición
As the name implies, it is the ideal place to relax after a hard day. It has beautiful landscapes, spacious bedrooms with cabins to encourage coexistence among volunteers. It has a terrace for meetings, multiple areas for indoor recreational activities. It is located a few meters from the main road which provides good access to it.
Iguana Eco Resort
It is a wide place that offers the experience to the volunteers of being in contact with nature. It offers various activities such as hiking. It has cozy rooms with air conditioning, 2 swimming pools and a meeting area. It is located near the city of Penonomé. It is the ideal place to rest after a long day of work in the brigade
Pro Niños
Pro Ninos was one of the first lodges used by GB in its trajectory in the Darien area. It is a beautiful camp in which you can enjoy its variable flora and fauna. It has wooded areas and open spaces to recreate in contact with nature.
Hotel Tonosi
It is located on the Pan-American Highway in the Meteti sector, it has cozy rooms, of four and five people, with color television and air conditioning. It has a covered terrace and countryside landscapes. He is known for his good food and great hospitality.
Hotel Avicar
Hotel Avicar sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 40 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and is in the center of the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Also, brigaders staying at Hotel Avicar get see how life plays out in a rural town in East Panama. Emergency medical care is available
in Torti.
El Palmar
The El Palmar hostel sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 30 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and approximately 10 minutes before reaching the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Global Brigades Panama has used El Palmar for several years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders. Emergency medical care is easily accessible in Torti.
Asamblea de Dios
Campamento Asambleas De Dios, San Carlos, Panama is a large facility that sits only about 800 meters from the main road(Via Panamericana) approximately 2 hours from Panama City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Global Brigades Panama has been using the San Carlos facility since March 2015. Emergency medical care is available at the Health Center in the town of San Carlos, approximately 2 minutes from this facility.
The Log Cab Inn
The Log Cab-Inn lodging facility is located in the San Ignacio town at the Cayo District. Here, brigaders enjoy an eternal Summer like environment. This beautiful lodging facility offers cozy double and triple rooms plus with all accommodations, the amenity of having a swimming pool and a hiking trail.
Brown Kubic Hotel
Brown Kubic Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 10 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic.
Novus City Hotel
Novus City Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 5 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic and in a vibrant neighborhood.
To Spiti (The Home)
To Spiti lodging facility is run by Global Brigades Greece for volunteers. It is located at the center of Athens, opposite the city’s second-largest public park, Pedion Areos (meaning Fields of Mars).
Villas del Valle
The Villas del Valle lodging facility is located in the mountains approximately 1 hour northwest of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a cool climate high up in the mountains near the town of Valle de los Angeles. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Villas del Valle facility for more than 3 years, housing hundreds of brigaders.
Casa del Sol
The Casa del Sol facility is located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views of distant mountains.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Bobmah Hotel
Bobmah Hotel is located at Abura Dunkwa, about 30 minutes North-West of Cape Coast in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of Ghana. one of the two Districts that GB Ghana works with. The facility is located in Abura Dunkwa which is about 5 minutes drive from the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly Office and also 30-40 minutes away from most of the communities that GB Ghana works with.
The facility has a total of 18 en suite rooms with air-conditioning. It is also well fenced and gated with 24 hour security present and CCTV cameras fitted at all corners to ensure the safety and security of volunteers at all times.
Weda Ocean View Resort
Weda Ocean View Resort is located 30 minutes from the historical Ghanaian town of Cape Coast along the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean on the Accra-Cape Coast highway. The brick hotel situated on top of hill overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Anomabo Township and has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the salty sea breeze.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioners, refrigerators, writing desks, armchairs, and wardrobes. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Weda Ocean View Resort’s restaurant is operated by trained staff of Global Brigades and serves the best of local and continental cuisines. Laundry service is provided at no cost to volunteers once a week.
Weda Ocean View Resort is also 1.5 hours from the Ekumfi District where all Global Brigades Ghana communities are located.
Centro de Retiros Jireh
The Centro de Retiros Jireh lodging facility is located in the city of Chimaltenango, approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. The facility includes a dining area, outdoor patio, and swimming pool.
Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu
The Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu lodging facility is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of lush greenery and distant mountains.
Greece
Small Businesses Consulting
Greece Empowered Consulting Program gives students the opportunity to take part in the economic transformation of refugee and migrant communities. Migrants and Refugees face serious challenges when integrating into the local society and are financially excluded. On consulting program, students will work directly with clients to provide practical, effective consultations that help them grow their businesses. To further ensure sustainability and lasting impact, students will deliver financial literacy workshops to provide migrants, refugees and local community members with lasting knowledge.
Donations Goals
$1,680
Avg. airfare $1480
Lodging Facilities
Global Brigades does an annual safety review of all lodging facility partners each year. Lodging facilities provide pillows, bedsheets and towels. Facilities have showers, toilets and sinks with running water (no hot water) as well as filtered clean drinking water dispensers onsite. 24-hour security is provided at all facilities. Conditions are most similar to a comfortable summer camp, with dormitory-style sleeping and shared bathrooms.
Engineering Brigades are assigned to lodging facilities based on proximity to the partner community they will be working with.
Hotel y Club Morazan
Hotel y Club Morazan sits along the Pan-American highway in the south of Honduras. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo – a fairly large town in Honduras – in the department of Valle. Although this facility does function as a hotel when students are not present, all compound rules that apply at our other compounds apply here as well, including that all students must stay on hotel premises at all times unless accompanied by staff members. Here, brigaders can enjoy the hotel pool and several indoor and outdoor lounge areas. Global Brigades has used this hotel for approximately 4 years, since the beginning of Medical and Dental brigades began working in the south of Honduras.
Hotel del Angel
Hotel del Angel facility is located approximately 1.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, in the department of La Paz. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views. Global Brigades has used the Hotel del Angel facility since the first Medical Brigades in La Paz and Comayagua back in March 2019.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
El Censo
The El Censo lodging facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the El Censo facility for more than 2 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Hotel Novotel
Novotel sits in the center of Panama City, about 40 minutes from Panama’s international airport. Global Brigades Panama began using this hotel in 2018 to accommodate any brigades that needed to stay in Panama City. Brigades do not typically stay in Panama City; Global Brigades Panama only uses this facility during emergencies and cases involving extenuating circumstances. Emergency medical care is available in several hospitals in the city.
Hacienda Doña Victoria
Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria is located in the county of Campana, Capira District, just 40 minutes from Panama City (West Panama). The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool, hammocks, BBQ and their Comfortable private rooms with air conditioning.
Hostal Finca Ely
Hostal Finca Ely is located in Tambo, Coclé about 2 a half an hour drive from Penonomé Centre, in West Panama. The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool and their Comfortable rooms.
Oasis de Bendición
As the name implies, it is the ideal place to relax after a hard day. It has beautiful landscapes, spacious bedrooms with cabins to encourage coexistence among volunteers. It has a terrace for meetings, multiple areas for indoor recreational activities. It is located a few meters from the main road which provides good access to it.
Iguana Eco Resort
It is a wide place that offers the experience to the volunteers of being in contact with nature. It offers various activities such as hiking. It has cozy rooms with air conditioning, 2 swimming pools and a meeting area. It is located near the city of Penonomé. It is the ideal place to rest after a long day of work in the brigade
Pro Niños
Pro Ninos was one of the first lodges used by GB in its trajectory in the Darien area. It is a beautiful camp in which you can enjoy its variable flora and fauna. It has wooded areas and open spaces to recreate in contact with nature.
Hotel Tonosi
It is located on the Pan-American Highway in the Meteti sector, it has cozy rooms, of four and five people, with color television and air conditioning. It has a covered terrace and countryside landscapes. He is known for his good food and great hospitality.
Hotel Avicar
Hotel Avicar sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 40 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and is in the center of the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Also, brigaders staying at Hotel Avicar get see how life plays out in a rural town in East Panama. Emergency medical care is available
in Torti.
El Palmar
The El Palmar hostel sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 30 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and approximately 10 minutes before reaching the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Global Brigades Panama has used El Palmar for several years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders. Emergency medical care is easily accessible in Torti.
Asamblea de Dios
Campamento Asambleas De Dios, San Carlos, Panama is a large facility that sits only about 800 meters from the main road(Via Panamericana) approximately 2 hours from Panama City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Global Brigades Panama has been using the San Carlos facility since March 2015. Emergency medical care is available at the Health Center in the town of San Carlos, approximately 2 minutes from this facility.
The Log Cab Inn
The Log Cab-Inn lodging facility is located in the San Ignacio town at the Cayo District. Here, brigaders enjoy an eternal Summer like environment. This beautiful lodging facility offers cozy double and triple rooms plus with all accommodations, the amenity of having a swimming pool and a hiking trail.
Brown Kubic Hotel
Brown Kubic Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 10 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic.
Novus City Hotel
Novus City Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 5 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic and in a vibrant neighborhood.
To Spiti (The Home)
To Spiti lodging facility is run by Global Brigades Greece for volunteers. It is located at the center of Athens, opposite the city’s second-largest public park, Pedion Areos (meaning Fields of Mars).
Villas del Valle
The Villas del Valle lodging facility is located in the mountains approximately 1 hour northwest of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a cool climate high up in the mountains near the town of Valle de los Angeles. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Villas del Valle facility for more than 3 years, housing hundreds of brigaders.
Casa del Sol
The Casa del Sol facility is located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views of distant mountains.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Bobmah Hotel
Bobmah Hotel is located at Abura Dunkwa, about 30 minutes North-West of Cape Coast in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of Ghana. one of the two Districts that GB Ghana works with. The facility is located in Abura Dunkwa which is about 5 minutes drive from the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly Office and also 30-40 minutes away from most of the communities that GB Ghana works with.
The facility has a total of 18 en suite rooms with air-conditioning. It is also well fenced and gated with 24 hour security present and CCTV cameras fitted at all corners to ensure the safety and security of volunteers at all times.
Weda Ocean View Resort
Weda Ocean View Resort is located 30 minutes from the historical Ghanaian town of Cape Coast along the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean on the Accra-Cape Coast highway. The brick hotel situated on top of hill overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Anomabo Township and has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the salty sea breeze.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioners, refrigerators, writing desks, armchairs, and wardrobes. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Weda Ocean View Resort’s restaurant is operated by trained staff of Global Brigades and serves the best of local and continental cuisines. Laundry service is provided at no cost to volunteers once a week.
Weda Ocean View Resort is also 1.5 hours from the Ekumfi District where all Global Brigades Ghana communities are located.
Centro de Retiros Jireh
The Centro de Retiros Jireh lodging facility is located in the city of Chimaltenango, approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. The facility includes a dining area, outdoor patio, and swimming pool.
Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu
The Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu lodging facility is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of lush greenery and distant mountains.
Ghana
Microenterprise Consulting
Chapters provide consulting to small businesses and families in under resourced, rural communities with previously limited to no access to loan capital. Students learn about business challenges, provide financial literacy workshops and develop recommendations to present to key stakeholders.
Donations Goals
$1,555
Avg. airfare $1800
Lodging Facilities
Global Brigades does an annual safety review of all lodging facility partners each year. Lodging facilities provide pillows, bedsheets and towels. Facilities have showers, toilets and sinks with running water (no hot water) as well as filtered clean drinking water dispensers onsite. 24-hour security is provided at all facilities. Conditions are most similar to a comfortable summer camp, with dormitory-style sleeping and shared bathrooms.
Engineering Brigades are assigned to lodging facilities based on proximity to the partner community they will be working with.
Hotel y Club Morazan
Hotel y Club Morazan sits along the Pan-American highway in the south of Honduras. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo – a fairly large town in Honduras – in the department of Valle. Although this facility does function as a hotel when students are not present, all compound rules that apply at our other compounds apply here as well, including that all students must stay on hotel premises at all times unless accompanied by staff members. Here, brigaders can enjoy the hotel pool and several indoor and outdoor lounge areas. Global Brigades has used this hotel for approximately 4 years, since the beginning of Medical and Dental brigades began working in the south of Honduras.
Hotel del Angel
Hotel del Angel facility is located approximately 1.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, in the department of La Paz. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views. Global Brigades has used the Hotel del Angel facility since the first Medical Brigades in La Paz and Comayagua back in March 2019.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
El Censo
The El Censo lodging facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the El Censo facility for more than 2 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Hotel Novotel
Novotel sits in the center of Panama City, about 40 minutes from Panama’s international airport. Global Brigades Panama began using this hotel in 2018 to accommodate any brigades that needed to stay in Panama City. Brigades do not typically stay in Panama City; Global Brigades Panama only uses this facility during emergencies and cases involving extenuating circumstances. Emergency medical care is available in several hospitals in the city.
Hacienda Doña Victoria
Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria is located in the county of Campana, Capira District, just 40 minutes from Panama City (West Panama). The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool, hammocks, BBQ and their Comfortable private rooms with air conditioning.
Hostal Finca Ely
Hostal Finca Ely is located in Tambo, Coclé about 2 a half an hour drive from Penonomé Centre, in West Panama. The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool and their Comfortable rooms.
Oasis de Bendición
As the name implies, it is the ideal place to relax after a hard day. It has beautiful landscapes, spacious bedrooms with cabins to encourage coexistence among volunteers. It has a terrace for meetings, multiple areas for indoor recreational activities. It is located a few meters from the main road which provides good access to it.
Iguana Eco Resort
It is a wide place that offers the experience to the volunteers of being in contact with nature. It offers various activities such as hiking. It has cozy rooms with air conditioning, 2 swimming pools and a meeting area. It is located near the city of Penonomé. It is the ideal place to rest after a long day of work in the brigade
Pro Niños
Pro Ninos was one of the first lodges used by GB in its trajectory in the Darien area. It is a beautiful camp in which you can enjoy its variable flora and fauna. It has wooded areas and open spaces to recreate in contact with nature.
Hotel Tonosi
It is located on the Pan-American Highway in the Meteti sector, it has cozy rooms, of four and five people, with color television and air conditioning. It has a covered terrace and countryside landscapes. He is known for his good food and great hospitality.
Hotel Avicar
Hotel Avicar sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 40 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and is in the center of the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Also, brigaders staying at Hotel Avicar get see how life plays out in a rural town in East Panama. Emergency medical care is available
in Torti.
El Palmar
The El Palmar hostel sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 30 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and approximately 10 minutes before reaching the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Global Brigades Panama has used El Palmar for several years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders. Emergency medical care is easily accessible in Torti.
Asamblea de Dios
Campamento Asambleas De Dios, San Carlos, Panama is a large facility that sits only about 800 meters from the main road(Via Panamericana) approximately 2 hours from Panama City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Global Brigades Panama has been using the San Carlos facility since March 2015. Emergency medical care is available at the Health Center in the town of San Carlos, approximately 2 minutes from this facility.
The Log Cab Inn
The Log Cab-Inn lodging facility is located in the San Ignacio town at the Cayo District. Here, brigaders enjoy an eternal Summer like environment. This beautiful lodging facility offers cozy double and triple rooms plus with all accommodations, the amenity of having a swimming pool and a hiking trail.
Brown Kubic Hotel
Brown Kubic Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 10 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic.
Novus City Hotel
Novus City Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 5 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic and in a vibrant neighborhood.
To Spiti (The Home)
To Spiti lodging facility is run by Global Brigades Greece for volunteers. It is located at the center of Athens, opposite the city’s second-largest public park, Pedion Areos (meaning Fields of Mars).
Villas del Valle
The Villas del Valle lodging facility is located in the mountains approximately 1 hour northwest of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a cool climate high up in the mountains near the town of Valle de los Angeles. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Villas del Valle facility for more than 3 years, housing hundreds of brigaders.
Casa del Sol
The Casa del Sol facility is located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views of distant mountains.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Bobmah Hotel
Bobmah Hotel is located at Abura Dunkwa, about 30 minutes North-West of Cape Coast in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of Ghana. one of the two Districts that GB Ghana works with. The facility is located in Abura Dunkwa which is about 5 minutes drive from the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly Office and also 30-40 minutes away from most of the communities that GB Ghana works with.
The facility has a total of 18 en suite rooms with air-conditioning. It is also well fenced and gated with 24 hour security present and CCTV cameras fitted at all corners to ensure the safety and security of volunteers at all times.
Weda Ocean View Resort
Weda Ocean View Resort is located 30 minutes from the historical Ghanaian town of Cape Coast along the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean on the Accra-Cape Coast highway. The brick hotel situated on top of hill overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Anomabo Township and has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the salty sea breeze.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioners, refrigerators, writing desks, armchairs, and wardrobes. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Weda Ocean View Resort’s restaurant is operated by trained staff of Global Brigades and serves the best of local and continental cuisines. Laundry service is provided at no cost to volunteers once a week.
Weda Ocean View Resort is also 1.5 hours from the Ekumfi District where all Global Brigades Ghana communities are located.
Centro de Retiros Jireh
The Centro de Retiros Jireh lodging facility is located in the city of Chimaltenango, approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. The facility includes a dining area, outdoor patio, and swimming pool.
Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu
The Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu lodging facility is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of lush greenery and distant mountains.
Panama
Microenterprise Consulting
Panama Empowered Consulting Program gives students the opportunity to take part in the economic transformation of under-resourced, rural communities. A high percentage of the rural population in Panama lives in poverty and is financially excluded.
On consulting program, students will work directly with clients to provide practical, effective consultations that help community members grow their businesses. To further ensure sustainability and lasting impact, students will deliver financial literacy workshops to provide community members with lasting knowledge. Every program will consult the caja rural, or community bank, which lends capital to community members and allows members to open savings accounts. A portion of student donations will go directly to the community bank to increase lending capacity.
Donations Goals
$1,590
Avg. airfare $750
Lodging Facilities
Global Brigades does an annual safety review of all lodging facility partners each year. Lodging facilities provide pillows, bedsheets and towels. Facilities have showers, toilets and sinks with running water (no hot water) as well as filtered clean drinking water dispensers onsite. 24-hour security is provided at all facilities. Conditions are most similar to a comfortable summer camp, with dormitory-style sleeping and shared bathrooms.
Engineering Brigades are assigned to lodging facilities based on proximity to the partner community they will be working with.
Hotel y Club Morazan
Hotel y Club Morazan sits along the Pan-American highway in the south of Honduras. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo – a fairly large town in Honduras – in the department of Valle. Although this facility does function as a hotel when students are not present, all compound rules that apply at our other compounds apply here as well, including that all students must stay on hotel premises at all times unless accompanied by staff members. Here, brigaders can enjoy the hotel pool and several indoor and outdoor lounge areas. Global Brigades has used this hotel for approximately 4 years, since the beginning of Medical and Dental brigades began working in the south of Honduras.
Hotel del Angel
Hotel del Angel facility is located approximately 1.5 hours from San Pedro Sula, in the department of La Paz. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views. Global Brigades has used the Hotel del Angel facility since the first Medical Brigades in La Paz and Comayagua back in March 2019.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
El Censo
The El Censo lodging facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the El Censo facility for more than 2 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Hotel Novotel
Novotel sits in the center of Panama City, about 40 minutes from Panama’s international airport. Global Brigades Panama began using this hotel in 2018 to accommodate any brigades that needed to stay in Panama City. Brigades do not typically stay in Panama City; Global Brigades Panama only uses this facility during emergencies and cases involving extenuating circumstances. Emergency medical care is available in several hospitals in the city.
Hacienda Doña Victoria
Hostal Hacienda Doña Victoria is located in the county of Campana, Capira District, just 40 minutes from Panama City (West Panama). The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool, hammocks, BBQ and their Comfortable private rooms with air conditioning.
Hostal Finca Ely
Hostal Finca Ely is located in Tambo, Coclé about 2 a half an hour drive from Penonomé Centre, in West Panama. The facilities of the hostel gives the brigaders a good place to spend time, they offer great spaces to reflect or to organize a good game in our sports area and on the other hand you will enjoy the pool and their Comfortable rooms.
Oasis de Bendición
As the name implies, it is the ideal place to relax after a hard day. It has beautiful landscapes, spacious bedrooms with cabins to encourage coexistence among volunteers. It has a terrace for meetings, multiple areas for indoor recreational activities. It is located a few meters from the main road which provides good access to it.
Iguana Eco Resort
It is a wide place that offers the experience to the volunteers of being in contact with nature. It offers various activities such as hiking. It has cozy rooms with air conditioning, 2 swimming pools and a meeting area. It is located near the city of Penonomé. It is the ideal place to rest after a long day of work in the brigade
Pro Niños
Pro Ninos was one of the first lodges used by GB in its trajectory in the Darien area. It is a beautiful camp in which you can enjoy its variable flora and fauna. It has wooded areas and open spaces to recreate in contact with nature.
Hotel Tonosi
It is located on the Pan-American Highway in the Meteti sector, it has cozy rooms, of four and five people, with color television and air conditioning. It has a covered terrace and countryside landscapes. He is known for his good food and great hospitality.
Hotel Avicar
Hotel Avicar sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 40 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and is in the center of the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Also, brigaders staying at Hotel Avicar get see how life plays out in a rural town in East Panama. Emergency medical care is available
in Torti.
El Palmar
The El Palmar hostel sits along the Pan-American highway, approximately 30 minutes after passing Lago Bayano and approximately 10 minutes before reaching the town of Torti. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green mountains and farms’ pastures. Global Brigades Panama has used El Palmar for several years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders. Emergency medical care is easily accessible in Torti.
Asamblea de Dios
Campamento Asambleas De Dios, San Carlos, Panama is a large facility that sits only about 800 meters from the main road(Via Panamericana) approximately 2 hours from Panama City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Global Brigades Panama has been using the San Carlos facility since March 2015. Emergency medical care is available at the Health Center in the town of San Carlos, approximately 2 minutes from this facility.
The Log Cab Inn
The Log Cab-Inn lodging facility is located in the San Ignacio town at the Cayo District. Here, brigaders enjoy an eternal Summer like environment. This beautiful lodging facility offers cozy double and triple rooms plus with all accommodations, the amenity of having a swimming pool and a hiking trail.
Brown Kubic Hotel
Brown Kubic Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 10 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic.
Novus City Hotel
Novus City Hotel is one of the current tentative lodging facilities for Brigades in Greece. Global Brigades has done a safety review of this hotel. It is located right at the Center of Athens, only 5 minutes by foot from the GB Athens Clinic and in a vibrant neighborhood.
To Spiti (The Home)
To Spiti lodging facility is run by Global Brigades Greece for volunteers. It is located at the center of Athens, opposite the city’s second-largest public park, Pedion Areos (meaning Fields of Mars).
Villas del Valle
The Villas del Valle lodging facility is located in the mountains approximately 1 hour northwest of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a cool climate high up in the mountains near the town of Valle de los Angeles. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Villas del Valle facility for more than 3 years, housing hundreds of brigaders.
Casa del Sol
The Casa del Sol facility is located approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy use of the hotel’s spacious seating areas and views of distant mountains.
Posada Azul
The Posada Azul facility is located in a valley approximately 1 hour and 30 mintues east of Tegucigalpa. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of green pastures, sugar cane fields and distant mountains. Global Brigades Honduras has used the Posada Azul facility for more than 5 years, and it has housed hundreds of brigaders.
Bobmah Hotel
Bobmah Hotel is located at Abura Dunkwa, about 30 minutes North-West of Cape Coast in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of Ghana. one of the two Districts that GB Ghana works with. The facility is located in Abura Dunkwa which is about 5 minutes drive from the Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly Office and also 30-40 minutes away from most of the communities that GB Ghana works with.
The facility has a total of 18 en suite rooms with air-conditioning. It is also well fenced and gated with 24 hour security present and CCTV cameras fitted at all corners to ensure the safety and security of volunteers at all times.
Weda Ocean View Resort
Weda Ocean View Resort is located 30 minutes from the historical Ghanaian town of Cape Coast along the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean on the Accra-Cape Coast highway. The brick hotel situated on top of hill overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Anomabo Township and has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the salty sea breeze.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioners, refrigerators, writing desks, armchairs, and wardrobes. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Weda Ocean View Resort’s restaurant is operated by trained staff of Global Brigades and serves the best of local and continental cuisines. Laundry service is provided at no cost to volunteers once a week.
Weda Ocean View Resort is also 1.5 hours from the Ekumfi District where all Global Brigades Ghana communities are located.
Centro de Retiros Jireh
The Centro de Retiros Jireh lodging facility is located in the city of Chimaltenango, approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. The facility includes a dining area, outdoor patio, and swimming pool.
Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu
The Centro de Capacitación Maya Uleu lodging facility is located approximately 2 hours northwest of Guatemala City. Here, brigaders enjoy a beautiful view of a landscape full of lush greenery and distant mountains.
Sample Brigade Itinerary
A balanced week of impact, education, and cultural immersion.
DAY 1: Orientation & Country Briefing
Airport pickup, transport to lodging, dinner, and settling in.
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Airport pick up & transport to lodging facility |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Settle in to lodging |
DAY 2: Client Discovery Interviews
Program introduction, safety debrief, and first business client introduction.
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Business profile analysis & inventory assessment |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Consulting session |
| 5:00 PM | Networking |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Reflection |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Financial literacy preparation |
DAY 3: Business Analysis
Business profile analysis, inventory assessment, SWOT analysis, and field inspection.
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Transport to community |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Strategy development & recommendations drafting |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Consulting session |
| 4:00 PM | Transport to lodging facility |
| 5:00 PM | Networking |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Reflection |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Deliverable review |
DAY 4: Strategy Development
Financial literacy workshop for entrepreneurs.
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Transport to community |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Deliverable preparation & workshop presentation rehearsal |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Consulting Session & Workshop Facilitation |
| 4:00 PM | Transport to lodging facility |
| 5:00 PM | Networking |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Reflection |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Finalize presentation deliverables |
DAY 5: Workshop Facilitation & Deliverable Creation
Business training and final consulting.
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Transport to community |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Consulting Session |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Transport to lodging facility |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Final presentation and deliverables preparation |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Reflection |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Finalize deliverables |
DAY 6: Client Presentations
Final business deliverables, client presentation, and cultural exchange.
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Transport to community |
| 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Final business deliverables & business presentation |
| 12:00 NN | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Cultural exchange |
| 4:00 PM | Transport to lodging facility |
| 5:00 PM | Networking |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Reflection |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Packing up |
DAY 7: Departure
Transport to airport and airline check-in.
| Morning | Transport to airport & airline check in |
Impact
100+
Universities Engaged
OVER 20+ YEARS
450+
Of Entrepreneurs Consulted
100
5,500+
Donation Goals
Starting at $1,590 + Airfare
USD per volunteer · varies by country
BY COUNTRY
Panama
$1,590
Avg. airfare $750
Belize
$1,590
Avg. airfare $780
Greece
$1,680
Avg. airfare $1480
Ghana
$1,555
Avg. airfare $1800
Airfare
Group airfare to your program country
Logistics
Ground transportation, lodging, meals
Support & Safety
Emergency insurance, translators, local staff
Business Services
Consulting materials, workshops, loan capital via Kiva or group donation
Your donation goal goes beyond your program, employing full-time local profession to follow-up with clients between volunteer groups.
Safety, Ethics, and Responsible Service
Safety Protocols
- Average 3:1 volunteer to staff ratio
- Trained coordinators and local logistics team
- Trained drivers and emergency support
- STEP registration for U.S. volunteers
- Embassy awareness and OSAC membership
Ethical Standards
- Community ownership of every project
- Informed consent
- Community-led project priorities
- Licensed engineer oversight of all designs
- Working under local professional guidance
- Compliance with water sector's local legislations and regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an business student?
What kind of consulting work will students do?
Where does the program operate?
Empowered Business Consulting operates in Belize, Panama, Ghana, and Greece.
Where do my funds go?
Funds cover group airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals, insurance, translators, local staff, and direct support for client businesses.
What do clients access capital?
How many students are needed to start a chapter?
A minimum of 10 volunteers, with no maximum. Recruit 10+ volunteers to be eligible for a $1,000 Chapter Leader Scholarship (US & CAN).
Can professors participate?
Yes — professors are highly encouraged to join and are eligible for a $400 USD scholarship.
What happens after the brigade ends?
How far in advance should we plan?
Confirm dates and reserve space 10+ months prior, promote 8+ months prior, recruit toward the deposit deadline 5+ months prior, and prepare to travel in the final 6 months.
Next Steps to Mobilize Your Club
1
Review with your chapter leadership team, confirm your dates and reserve space; group airfare and confirm program details and cost (10+ months prior)
2
Promote: finalize your promotion kit with custom handouts, presentation and registration page; schedule interest meeting to announce (8+ months prior)
3
Recruit: drive registration towards the deposit due date (5+ months prior)
4
Prepare: raise funds and get your students ready to travel — Welcome Packet and Final Expectations Meetings (0-6 months prior)
