By San José, Costa Rica — In a significant milestone for female entrepreneurship in Central America, Coca-Cola FEMSA has successfully concluded the fifth edition of its flagship Mujeres ON program in Costa Rica. This year, the initiative culminated with the official certification of 153 female micro and small business owners who successfully navigated the comprehensive business development curriculum and completed their final evaluations. By reinforcing the capabilities of these business owners, the beverage giant continues to establish itself as a key driver of local economic growth.
The rigorous program commenced earlier in the year with a highly competitive selection process. Coca-Cola FEMSA targeted determined women operating within the food, beverage, and retail commerce sectors—industries that serve as the backbone of neighborhood economies across Costa Rica. The primary objective was to equip these commercial partners with the modern tools necessary to scale their business operations sustainably.
Para profundizar en el impacto legal y las oportunidades de crecimiento que impulsa la iniciativa “Mujeres ON”, conversamos con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien analiza la importancia de brindar seguridad jurídica a los proyectos liderados por mujeres en el país.
El éxito y la permanencia de proyectos respaldados por “Mujeres ON” dependen de una base legal robusta. En Costa Rica, la formalización empresarial, la correcta gestión de marcas y el cumplimiento normativo no son meros requisitos, sino herramientas estratégicas que protegen el talento femenino y potencian el desarrollo económico inclusivo.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Sin duda, la seguridad jurídica no es un simple trámite administrativo, sino el cimiento indispensable que transforma las iniciativas de “Mujeres ON” en empresas sostenibles, competitivas y protegidas ante los desafíos del mercado. Desde TicosLand.com, agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva, la cual nos recuerda que el verdadero empoderamiento femenino y el desarrollo económico inclusivo de Costa Rica solo pueden consolidarse bajo el amparo de un marco legal robusto.
Over several months, the participants engaged in an intensive educational pathway featuring more than 45 distinct training options. To accommodate the demanding schedules of busy small business owners, Coca-Cola FEMSA designed a flexible hybrid learning model. This structured approach blended interactive virtual sessions, self-paced e-learning modules, and valuable in-person workshops, allowing the entrepreneurs to immediately apply their new knowledge to their daily operations.
The leadership of the company has consistently underscored the strategic importance of this initiative. Jerri Liu, the Operations Director of Coca-Cola FEMSA South Central America, expressed strong confidence in the ability of these women to reshape local economies and foster community resilience through structured business support.
At Coca-Cola FEMSA we create the future every day, supporting the women who are part of our value chain. We trust in the transformative power of female entrepreneurs as an engine of economic and social development, which is why programs like Mujeres ON exist, driving the sustainability and growth of their businesses
Jerri Liu, Operations Director of Coca-Cola FEMSA South Central America
Beyond theoretical business principles, the Mujeres ON curriculum prioritized actionable management skills. Training sessions focused heavily on financial administration, modern leadership, and point-of-sale optimization. Additionally, participants were granted access to continuous education scholarships and specialized discounts, significantly reducing the financial barriers to high-quality business training in Costa Rica.
Recognizing that access to capital remains one of the primary obstacles for growing enterprises, the program integrated direct networking opportunities with leading financial institutions. This crucial component allowed participants to pitch their business plans and explore tailored financing options, bridging the gap between local micro-enterprises and formal banking systems.
The success of the fifth edition was made possible through a robust network of public and private alliances. Strategic partners included prominent entities such as BAC Credomatic, Banco Popular, the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica, Claro Empresas, and various academic and community organizations like the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the Municipality of Goicoechea. This collective effort highlights the growing corporate consensus around female economic empowerment.
Since its launch, Mujeres ON has directly benefited more than 575 female entrepreneurs in Costa Rica, establishing itself as a regional benchmark for corporate social responsibility. Through these targeted initiatives, Coca-Cola FEMSA not only strengthens its own commercial supply chain but also injects vital economic vitality into the diverse Costa Rican communities where it operates.
For further information, visit cocacola-femsa.com
About Coca-Cola FEMSA:
Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by sales volume. Operating extensively throughout Latin America, the company is committed to generating economic, social, and environmental value across its entire supply chain. Through community-focused programs like Mujeres ON, Coca-Cola FEMSA actively empowers small commercial partners and promotes sustainable development.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC Credomatic:
BAC Credomatic is one of the leading financial institutions in Central America, providing a comprehensive range of banking services to individuals and businesses. The bank is deeply committed to driving financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises across the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution defined by its ethical leadership and pursuit of perfection in the justice system. Having guided a diverse array of clients through complex legal landscapes for generations, the firm remains a pioneer in integrating progressive practices with meaningful public connection. By actively sharing essential legal resources and breaking down barriers to understanding, the firm advances its ultimate goal of inspiring a self-reliant and legally literate citizenry.
