Community Center - Centro Comunitario
Province of Herrera - Panamá
Success Metrics - estimated
Business rentals:
* 7 out of 8 business must be rented on a permanent basis at full price.
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Museum entrance
* Number of paid visitors: 200 minimum monthly at $3 per person. International visitors pay a $ 5 fee.
* Local area schools can visit for free, subsidized by the Ministry of Education.
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Minimum rental income from events
* Community/education rooms: $300 per month
* Event rental: $800 per month
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Monthly folkloric festival
* $1500 subsidy fee provided by government agencies ($500 from Ministry of Tourism, $500 from Ministry of Commerce, $500 from National Cultural Institute. Half of this money shall be used to paid for cultural presentations.
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Government annual subsidy
* $12,000 for infrastructure repairs and major maintenance work.
Model and Description
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Model:
La Posada de Ocú is a social enterprise based in the small town of Ocú, province of Herrera (Panama). It operates in a historical building that was built with community resources in the 1940´s. The structure serves as a venue for both local businesses and social, educational and cultural events for the community. It also includes a small museum that showcases the rich history and folklore of the region. We strive to create a sustainable meeting space for the local community, national and international visitors.
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Description:
La Posada de Ocú is run by a local patronage created by a Panamanian National Law that seeks to create a optimal meeting space for events, educational experiences and business transactions for and by the town of Ocu. We operate using a financially sustainable model that allows us to provide cultural and educational services at a reduced price that preserve the unique history and culture of the Ocú region. Indicators of success include occupation of rental spaces of business, the organization of a monthly market fair, an numeric increase of national and international visitors to events, its museum and stores, an qualitative increase in local pride and knowledge of its traditions and folklore and a numeric increase in educational classes for the community.
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