APAP and PUCMM launch Smart Colmado project in Dominican Republic

The Asociación Popular de Ahorros y Préstamos (APAP) and the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) have launched the ‘Colmado Inteligente’ (Smart Colmado) project. This joint initiative aims to modernize small Dominican businesses, specifically colmados and minimarkets, through digital transformation and professional training.

The program focuses on three key areas for owners and administrators: applied artificial intelligence, business management, and financial education. Additionally, the project involves developing technological solutions to streamline daily operations, such as inventory control, purchase planning, and sales analysis.

Gustavo Ariza, Executive President of APAP, stated that the initiative is part of the entity’s social investment strategy, focusing on digital transformation to support the sustainable growth of the Dominican productive fabric. Secilio Espinal, Rector of PUCMM, emphasized that the collaboration between academia and the private sector is designed to strengthen capacities and promote formalization within the local commerce sector.