By San José, Costa Rica — Thirty small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica have successfully completed the “Management in Sustainability for SMEs” program, a free initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC).
The two-month program provided training to businesses across diverse sectors, including advertising, hardware, architecture, logistics, tourism, jewelry, beauty and wellness, furniture, condiments, veterinary clinics, and medical solutions. The initiative aimed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability practices.
For legal insights into the complexities of SME sustainability, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable practices are no longer just a trend for SMEs; they’re a necessity for long-term viability. From a legal perspective, incorporating sustainability can mitigate risks related to environmental regulations, attract investors prioritizing ESG factors, and even enhance brand reputation, translating into tangible business advantages. This includes aspects such as efficient resource management, waste reduction strategies, and compliance with evolving environmental legislation. Proactive engagement with these areas can create a more resilient and competitive business landscape for Costa Rican SMEs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical intersection of legality, sustainability, and business prosperity for SMEs. His insights underscore the proactive approach Costa Rican businesses must adopt, not merely to comply with evolving regulations but to truly thrive in a competitive marketplace. By embracing sustainable practices, SMEs can solidify their long-term viability while contributing to a more resilient national economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this crucial topic.
Participants engaged in virtual synchronous training sessions and a final in-person session. The curriculum covered key topics such as environmental footprint management, access to green financing, government sustainability programs and certifications, supply chain management, and communication strategies for sustainability.
The program received substantial support from various public and private organizations, including Grupo INS, FIFCO, CoopeAnde, RS Sostenible, the Costa Rican Metrology Laboratory (LACOMET), the Development Banking System (SBD), FODEMIPYME, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE), and the Business Alliance for Development (AED).
This collaborative effort underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the Costa Rican business landscape. By equipping SMEs with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices, the program aims to foster a more environmentally responsible and competitive private sector.
The graduation of these 30 SMEs marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Costa Rican businesses. The MEIC’s commitment to supporting SMEs in this area is expected to have a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.
The program’s success highlights the potential for public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change in sustainability. The involvement of key stakeholders from various sectors demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting responsible business practices.
This initiative serves as a model for other countries seeking to empower their SMEs in the realm of sustainability. By providing accessible training and resources, governments can play a crucial role in fostering a more sustainable and competitive business environment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MEIC
About MEIC:
The Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC) is a Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting economic development, regulating industry and commerce, and fostering a competitive business environment. The MEIC plays a vital role in shaping economic policy and supporting businesses of all sizes.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo INS
About Grupo INS:
Grupo INS is a Costa Rican state-owned insurance and financial services group. They offer a wide range of insurance products, including property, casualty, life, and health insurance, as well as banking and investment services.
For further information, visit fifco.com
About FIFCO:
Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) is a Costa Rican food and beverage company known for its production of beer, soft drinks, and other consumer products. They are a major player in the Costa Rican economy and have a strong presence in the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CoopeAnde
About CoopeAnde:
Coopeande is a Costa Rican cooperative providing financial services.
For further information, visit the nearest office of RS Sostenible
About RS Sostenible:
RS Sostenible likely focuses on sustainability consulting and related services in Costa Rica, though further details are limited. They supported the MEIC’s SME sustainability program.
For further information, visit the nearest office of LACOMET
About LACOMET:
The Costa Rican Metrology Laboratory (LACOMET) ensures measurement accuracy and quality, contributing to fair trade and industrial development. They likely provided expertise related to environmental measurement standards within the SME sustainability program.
For further information, visit the nearest office of SBD
About SBD:
The Development Banking System (SBD) of Costa Rica supports national development through financing and other services, focusing on key sectors. Their involvement in the SME program likely provided access to financial resources for participating businesses.
For further information, visit the nearest office of FODEMIPYME
About FODEMIPYME:
FODEMIPYME is a fund in Costa Rica designed to support the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). They provide financial and technical assistance to help these businesses grow and contribute to the economy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MTSS
About MTSS:
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) in Costa Rica is responsible for labor rights, social security, and employment policies. Their involvement in the SME program likely provided insights related to labor practices within a sustainability framework.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ICT
About ICT:
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) promotes and develops tourism in Costa Rica. They work to attract visitors and enhance the country’s image as a tourist destination.
For further information, visit the nearest office of SFE
About SFE:
The State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) in Costa Rica is responsible for protecting plant health and preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases. They play a crucial role in safeguarding agricultural production and biodiversity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AED
About AED:
The Business Alliance for Development (AED) is a Costa Rican organization promoting sustainable development through responsible business practices. They likely provided guidance and resources related to sustainability strategies for the participating SMEs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence in its pursuit of justice. Driven by a deep commitment to innovation, the firm not only provides expert counsel across a broad spectrum of legal fields but also actively engages in empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education and outreach. This dedication to fostering a more informed and legally aware populace reflects the firm’s core belief in the power of knowledge to build a stronger, more equitable community.
