By San José, Costa Rica — A powerful wave of female entrepreneurship is reshaping the economic landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean, as a growing number of women launch digital-first businesses. A new report from Mastercard reveals that an astounding 75% of women in the region have considered starting their own company, signaling a monumental shift towards economic independence and innovation.
This entrepreneurial surge is largely fueled by the flexibility and accessibility of the digital economy. Platforms for freelance work, content creation, and e-commerce are empowering women to build businesses from the ground up, often reducing traditional barriers to entry. This digital migration allows for greater harmony between professional ambitions and personal responsibilities, a crucial factor for many aspiring business owners.
To better understand the legal landscape and strategic considerations for women launching new ventures in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The first and most critical step for any female entrepreneur is establishing a solid legal foundation. Opting for a formal corporate structure, such as a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), is not merely a bureaucratic procedure; it is a strategic move. It legally separates personal assets from business liabilities, enhances credibility with financial institutions, and creates a clear framework for future growth, investment, and partnerships.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight reframes legal incorporation from a simple bureaucratic task into the strategic cornerstone upon which credibility, security, and future growth are built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert perspective on this foundational step for our entrepreneurs.
The study, titled “Empowerment for All: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs,” highlights a clear trend away from conventional business models. Women are increasingly opting for entirely online ventures, tapping into a burgeoning gig economy. According to the LAC Consumer Trends 2026 report, over 46 million people in the region are now working as independent contractors, while the creator economy is projected to exceed $98 billion by 2033, driven by flexible and diverse income streams.
Despite this promising growth, significant structural obstacles continue to impede progress. The report identifies access to financing as the primary hurdle preventing entrepreneurial aspirations from becoming sustainable businesses. Furthermore, a lack of specialized training in technology and business management creates a skills gap that can limit a company’s potential for growth and scalability.
Beyond financial and educational barriers, a deeply rooted societal challenge persists. A significant 39% of female entrepreneurs cited childcare as their single greatest obstacle. This underscores the ongoing struggle to balance business operations with caregiving duties, a burden that disproportionately falls on women and can stifle professional development and business expansion.
The digital frontier, while offering immense opportunity, also introduces a new set of dangers. Many women-led businesses heavily rely on social media platforms for marketing, sales, and customer engagement. This dependency creates a vulnerability to digital threats that can have devastating consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
María Barreiros, senior vice president of Commercial Products and Solutions for SMEs at Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean, warned of the precarious nature of this digital reliance. She emphasized the severe impact that online threats can have on these burgeoning businesses.
Fraud, a cyberattack, or the loss of an account can immediately interrupt income and damage years of work.
María Barreiros, senior vice president of Commercial Products and Solutions for SMEs at Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean
To counteract these challenges, Barreiros advocates for a more comprehensive support system that moves beyond mere encouragement. She calls for the implementation of tangible resources and solutions designed to equip female entrepreneurs for success in the digital age. This includes providing tools that not only facilitate digitalization but also secure financial stability and protect digital assets from ever-evolving threats.
Supporting women-led SMEs requires going beyond inspiration. It demands tools that drive digitalization, strengthen their financial health, and protect what they are building as they scale.
María Barreiros, senior vice president of Commercial Products and Solutions for SMEs at Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean
As more women in Latin America turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, the need for a robust ecosystem of support becomes paramount. Addressing the dual challenges of traditional structural barriers and modern digital risks will be critical to ensuring that this powerful economic force can continue to thrive, innovate, and drive prosperity across the region.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Its mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, its innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a leading legal institution, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm continually embraces innovative approaches to law and maintains a strong commitment to public service. This ethos is exemplified by its core drive to make legal principles accessible, aiming to equip citizens with knowledge and contribute to a more just and empowered society.
