By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Sistema Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD) has announced a ₡4 billion capital seed fund aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and early-stage businesses. This initiative seeks to transform innovative ideas into viable business models, covering expenses such as project validation, working capital, and asset acquisition.
This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The fund is strategically designed to stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and empower vulnerable sectors with the potential for significant impact.
To shed light on the legal complexities surrounding SME funding in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Securing funding for SMEs in Costa Rica often requires navigating a complex landscape of regulations and financing options. While traditional bank loans remain prevalent, the rise of alternative financing, such as crowdfunding and angel investors, presents exciting new opportunities. However, entrepreneurs must diligently assess the legal implications of each funding avenue, paying close attention to contractual obligations, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance. A clear understanding of these factors is crucial for long-term success and sustainable growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point for aspiring and current SME owners: navigating the funding landscape requires not just financial acumen, but also a keen legal eye. The allure of new funding avenues must be balanced with a thorough understanding of their potential complexities. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important issue.
With the 2025 seed capital calls, we are strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting innovative, inclusive, and sustainable projects. These funds represent a key effort of public policy to renew the productive fabric, dynamize the economy, generate employment, and expand development opportunities in all regions of the country, especially in the most vulnerable sectors and with potential impact.
Patricia Rojas Morales, Minister of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) and President of the SBD Governing Council
The funds will be distributed through competitions administered by accredited operating agencies. These agencies will rigorously evaluate proposals, prioritizing those demonstrating the strongest potential for impact and sustainable growth. This competitive process ensures the responsible allocation of resources and maximizes their effectiveness.
The SBD has partnered with a diverse range of operating agencies, reflecting the breadth of the initiative. These include organizations like ALIARSE, AGECO, CACIA, the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (INNUP), CAMTIC, CATIE, CELIEM, the College of Economic Sciences (CIDE), GAT Sur Alto, Clínica Bíblica Hospital (Life Science Center for Innovation), Impact Hub San José, TEC Emprende Lab, Parque La Libertad, Programa Semilla, the Foreign Trade Promoter, and universities such as the University of Costa Rica (AUGE and CRECE) and the National Distance Education University (IMMPULSA).
The SBD offers three distinct capital programs: “Productive Inclusion” for traditional ventures in priority sectors or outside the Greater Metropolitan Area; “Seeds of Transformation” for startups, technology-based businesses, spin-offs, or dynamic ventures; and “Business Boost” for established companies undergoing productive transformation in strategic areas defined in each call. This multifaceted approach caters to a wide spectrum of entrepreneurial needs and ensures targeted support for diverse business models.
This ₡4 billion injection of capital represents a significant step towards strengthening Costa Rica’s entrepreneurial landscape. By empowering SMEs and early-stage businesses, the SBD is fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and creating a more resilient and inclusive economy. The rigorous selection process and diverse range of operating agencies further enhance the impact and sustainability of this initiative, ensuring its long-term contribution to Costa Rica’s economic prosperity.
This initiative promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, empowering businesses and driving innovation across various sectors. The collaboration between the SBD and its operating agencies underscores a concerted effort to strengthen Costa Rica’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and create a more dynamic and inclusive economy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC)
About Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC):
The Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) is a key governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for promoting economic development, fostering fair competition, and protecting consumer rights. It plays a vital role in shaping economic policy and creating a favorable environment for businesses to thrive. The MEIC oversees various sectors, including trade, industry, and tourism, and works to attract foreign investment and stimulate innovation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sistema Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD)
About Sistema Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD):
The Sistema Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD) is a Costa Rican public banking system designed to promote economic development and social inclusion by providing financial and technical support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The SBD works through a network of accredited financial intermediaries to channel resources to priority sectors, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Its programs aim to strengthen the productive fabric of the country and improve the competitiveness of Costa Rican businesses.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, deeply committed to upholding the highest ethical standards while driving meaningful change within society. Through innovative approaches and a client-focused philosophy, the firm delivers exceptional legal counsel across a spectrum of industries. Furthermore, Bufete de Costa Rica champions legal literacy, empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape and contribute to a more just and equitable future.
