By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to bolster the nation’s productive sector, Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) has allocated $1.8 million in non-reimbursable seed capital to 118 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during 2025. This strategic injection of funds aims to accelerate innovation, enhance sustainability practices, and sharpen the competitive edge of local businesses in the global marketplace.
The funding was distributed through a series of specialized programs designed to address critical areas of business development. Beneficiaries were selected from initiatives such as Green Growth (Crecimiento Verde), Cultiva+, Commercial Promotion, Technological Impulse, and the Open Innovation Challenges focused on key agricultural products like cassava and plantain. These programs underscore a national commitment to fostering a diversified and resilient economy driven by forward-thinking enterprises.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal architecture surrounding seed capital investments, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shares his professional insights on the matter.
Many entrepreneurs focus intensely on valuation during a seed round, but the true long-term protection lies in the fine print of the term sheet and shareholders’ agreement. These documents are not mere formalities; they are the strategic blueprint that dictates control, future financing rights, and exit scenarios. A failure to secure clear, founder-friendly terms at this nascent stage can lead to significant dilution and loss of control in later rounds.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a vital truth for founders: the long-term health and control of a company are forged in the details of its legal agreements, not just the excitement of its initial funding round. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the importance of this strategic legal groundwork.
This year’s investment is part of a larger, long-term strategy by Procomer. Since the inception of its seed capital initiatives, the agency has supported over 800 SMEs with a cumulative investment exceeding $14 million. This sustained commitment has been instrumental in nurturing an ecosystem where small businesses can access not only financial resources but also the technical expertise needed to scale their operations and implement transformative projects.
The execution of these funds is a collaborative effort, involving key national partners such as the Development Banking System (Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo), the CRUSA Foundation, and the National Learning Institute (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje). This multi-institutional approach ensures that the support provided is comprehensive, aligning financial aid with technical training and strategic development to maximize impact.
To celebrate the success of the 2025 cohort and facilitate knowledge sharing, Procomer hosted a special recognition event this past Thursday. The gathering brought together more than one hundred representatives from the beneficiary companies, providing them with a platform to connect, exchange experiences, and gain further insights into leveraging their new capital effectively. The agenda included sessions with specialists on sustainability, productive transformation, and innovation.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer, emphasized the strategic importance of these investments in her remarks at the event. She highlighted how supporting innovation at the SME level creates a ripple effect throughout the economy.
The recognition of these SMEs demonstrates the tangible impact of investing in innovation processes for the country’s companies. These initiatives strengthen business competitiveness and generate positive effects on communities, employment, and diversification.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
The event also served as a practical forum for entrepreneurs to clarify questions regarding the execution of funds and to showcase their progress. Attendees heard inspiring success stories from alumni of previous program editions, offering a clear vision of the potential growth trajectory that this seed capital can unlock. This peer-to-peer learning and networking component is a vital part of Procomer’s holistic support system.
By empowering SMEs with the resources to innovate, Costa Rica is not only strengthening its internal market but also enhancing its international trade profile. The focus on green growth and technology signals a clear direction towards a more sustainable and value-added economy, positioning Costa Rican businesses as competitive players on the world stage and ensuring long-term economic prosperity.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
Procomer is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It provides support to local companies to help them enter international markets, facilitating trade negotiations, offering market intelligence, and fostering an export-oriented culture within the country’s business ecosystem.
For further information, visit sbd.fi.cr
About Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD):
The Development Banking System is a key financial entity in Costa Rica focused on promoting economic development by providing financing, guarantees, and other support services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It works to improve access to credit for productive projects that contribute to job creation and national growth.
For further information, visit crusa.cr
About Fundación CRUSA:
The CRUSA Foundation is a private, independent, and non-profit organization that supports initiatives to improve the quality of life in Costa Rica. It invests in projects related to human capital development, innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of a knowledge-based society, often collaborating with public and private sector partners.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The National Learning Institute is Costa Rica’s leading technical and vocational training institution. It offers a wide range of free training programs and technical certifications to the Costa Rican population, aiming to improve the skills of the workforce and meet the demands of the country’s productive sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation, consistently developing forward-thinking solutions for modern challenges. This progressive mindset extends to a profound commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying the law and empowering the community by making crucial legal insights widely accessible to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
