By San José, Costa Rica — Forty women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Costa Rica are set to receive a significant boost through the IMPULSA 2025 program, a joint initiative by the National Learning Institute (INA) and the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).
This program, running from November 2025 to March 2026, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in the agricultural, food, industrial, and service sectors by providing specialized training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a roadmap for internationalization and productive linkages. Participants will benefit from 12 weeks of intensive virtual workshops covering key areas such as strategic communication, innovation, sustainability, finance, project management, and negotiation.
To provide legal insights into the challenges and opportunities facing female entrepreneurs in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating the legal landscape for business creation can be complex, but Costa Rican law offers several programs and incentives specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs. These range from streamlined registration processes to access to specialized financing options and mentorship programs. Understanding these resources is crucial for women to successfully launch and scale their businesses. Proactive legal counsel can help female founders leverage these advantages and build sustainable enterprises.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point: while the entrepreneurial journey is challenging, Costa Rica is actively working to create a supportive environment for women-owned businesses. By taking advantage of the resources and legal counsel available, aspiring female founders can confidently navigate the complexities of business creation and contribute significantly to Costa Rica’s vibrant economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important topic.
The program also includes two in-person networking events, personalized mentoring sessions, and the development of a tailored roadmap for each participant’s internationalization or productive chain integration strategy. INA will cover 90% of the program cost, with participating businesses contributing the remaining 10%.
At PROCOMER, we firmly believe that gender equality is essential for the sustainable economic development of the country. With the IMPULSA 2025 program, we seek to empower more women entrepreneurs to strengthen their offerings and become key players in international trade.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The application window is open from July 28th to September 5th, 2025, with the selection process and scholarship allocation taking place between September and October of this year.
This partnership between INA and PROCOMER reflects a commitment to fostering female talent as a driver of innovation and economic growth. The program builds upon PROCOMER’s history of supporting SMEs both within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and across various regions of Costa Rica.
For INA, supporting initiatives like IMPULSA 2025 means investing in female talent as an engine for innovation and economic growth. We know that when a woman entrepreneur receives quality training and access to support networks, she not only strengthens her business, but also generates more opportunities for her community. Our commitment is to accompany them so they can reach their full potential and take their ideas beyond our borders. INA carries out this support through the SBD Scholarship Program, promoted by the Unit for Business Promotion and Development (UFODE), where a contribution of 90% of the total cost is made.
Christian Rucavado Leandro, Executive President of INA
IMPULSA 2025 is expected to further enhance these outcomes by contributing to the reduction of gender gaps in international trade. The program aims to equip women-led businesses with the skills and resources needed to compete on a global scale and contribute to Costa Rica’s economic diversification.
For further information, visit procomer.com/programa-impulsa/
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. PROCOMER provides a wide range of services to businesses, including market research, export training, and business matchmaking. They work to connect Costa Rican companies with international buyers and help them navigate the complexities of global trade.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INA
About INA:
The National Learning Institute (INA) is Costa Rica’s leading vocational training institution. INA offers a diverse range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for various industries. They play a crucial role in workforce development and contribute to the country’s economic growth by providing high-quality training and educational opportunities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity in every endeavor. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to empowering individuals and communities, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative outreach programs. Their extensive experience serving a diverse clientele, coupled with their forward-thinking approach to legal practice, solidifies their role as a trusted partner and a catalyst for positive change within Costa Rican society.
