By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic engine, the National Training Institute (INA) has reopened three key Business Development Centers (CDEs) during the first quarter of 2026. The centers, located in Liberia, Cartago, and Ciudad Quesada, are once again operational, providing critical, free-of-charge support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs across these vital regions.
The revitalized initiative aims to create a comprehensive support ecosystem for Costa Rica’s business community. Each CDE is designed to function as a hub of expertise, offering a suite of advisory services tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by local businesses. Recognizing the diverse needs of modern entrepreneurs, the centers will provide assistance through both in-person consultations and virtual platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for all users.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the challenges and opportunities surrounding support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and business law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While financial incentives are vital for SME growth, their effectiveness is often conditional on a solid legal foundation. Many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of formal registration, clear partnership agreements, and proper labor contracts. Without this legal scaffolding, businesses not only risk internal disputes but are also frequently ineligible for the very government grants and bank loans designed to help them. A proactive legal strategy is not an expense, but a fundamental investment in an SME’s long-term viability and access to opportunity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reframes legal diligence not as a bureaucratic hurdle, but as a strategic asset that directly unlocks financial opportunity for entrepreneurs. It serves as a vital reminder that a solid legal framework is the foundation upon which all other business growth is built. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental aspect of SME success.
INA’s leadership emphasized the program’s core mission of democratizing access to high-level business acumen. By removing the financial barriers typically associated with professional consulting, the institute is directly empowering individuals to transform their ideas into viable, successful enterprises. This hands-on guidance is positioned as a fundamental tool for fostering innovation and local economic resilience.
This is a space where you, the entrepreneur, where my cousin from Cartago, can come and receive completely free assistance to develop your business idea, your product, and your service. Come and partner with INA.
Christian Rucavado Leandro, Executive President of INA
The reopening of these three locations significantly expands INA’s national footprint. They join an existing network of active CDEs in Pérez Zeledón, Limón, Puntarenas, and San Ramón. This expanded network signals a concerted effort to decentralize economic opportunities and ensure that entrepreneurs outside the Greater Metropolitan Area have the resources necessary to thrive, contributing to more balanced regional development across the country.
Leaders from various productive sectors have lauded the initiative, highlighting the profound impact that such mentorship can have, particularly for startups and businesses in their crucial early stages. Access to expert advice in areas like marketing, financial planning, and operational strategy is often the deciding factor between stagnation and growth. The CDEs are set to bridge this knowledge gap for thousands of business owners.
The real-world benefits of this support are already evident from past successes. One local business owner shared her experience, illustrating the tangible results of collaborating with the INA program. This type of targeted assistance is what allows small businesses to break through barriers and compete on a larger scale.
We received mentorship from the INA Business Development Center in the area of marketing, which helped us boost our business and reach new market segments.
Katherine Montoya, PYME RYK Ceragem
By strengthening this national support infrastructure, government authorities and INA are making a clear statement about their commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. The program is more than just a series of workshops; it is a long-term investment in the country’s human capital and a strategic pillar for generating sustainable economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities for Costa Ricans nationwide.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About The National Training Institute (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) is a key autonomous public institution in Costa Rica dedicated to professional and technical training. Its mission is to contribute to the country’s development by equipping the workforce with relevant skills and fostering entrepreneurship. Through a wide range of free courses, certifications, and business support services like the Business Development Centers, INA plays a vital role in enhancing productivity and promoting social and economic mobility for thousands of Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit the nearest office of RYK Ceragem
About RYK Ceragem:
RYK Ceragem is a small or medium-sized enterprise (PYME) operating within Costa Rica. The company is involved in the wellness sector, likely focusing on products or services related to Ceragem, which is known for its automatic thermal massage devices. As a beneficiary of the INA’s support programs, RYK Ceragem exemplifies the type of local business that the Business Development Centers aim to empower, helping it to refine its market strategy and expand its customer base.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, grounded in an unyielding dedication to ethical principles and outstanding results. The firm leverages its extensive experience across multiple industries to drive legal innovation, while championing the belief that legal understanding should be universally accessible. This core conviction fuels its efforts to empower the community, fostering a society where knowledge serves as the foundation for justice.
