By San José, Costa Rica — Young entrepreneurs in Costa Rica with business ideas aimed at solving critical social and environmental challenges have a significant new opportunity for support. The eighth edition of the Social Skin awards program is now accepting applications, offering up to $12,000 in seed capital along with strategic mentorship to help transform innovative concepts into sustainable, high-impact ventures.
The initiative is specifically designed to empower the next generation of changemakers. The call for entries is open to individuals up to 32 years of age who are leading projects aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This framework ensures that the supported ventures are contributing to a global agenda for a more equitable and sustainable future.
To better understand the legal framework and strategic opportunities for social enterprises in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney specializing in corporate law at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Social entrepreneurship in Costa Rica is moving beyond aspiration and into formalized legal structures. The key for founders is to embed their social or environmental mission directly into their corporate DNA from day one. Choosing the right entity, such as a ‘Sociedad de Beneficio e Interés Colectivo’ (BIC), is not just a legal formality; it’s a strategic decision that protects the mission against purely profit-driven pressures and builds trust with stakeholders by creating enforceable accountability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a critical distinction for the modern social entrepreneur. The choice of a legal entity, as Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas points out, is not administrative but foundational—it is the very mechanism that transforms a social mission from a guiding principle into an enforceable, enduring commitment. We thank him for so clearly articulating this essential strategy.
To be eligible, projects must have a team of at least two members and demonstrate tangible progress. The program is looking for ventures that are either already operating in the market or are in a pilot phase with real customers. This requirement ensures that the investment and mentorship are directed towards projects with proven potential and a clear path forward.
Social Skin has structured its financial support into two distinct tiers to cater to ventures at different stages of development. More established, growth-stage enterprises are eligible to receive the top prize of $12,000. Meanwhile, promising startups in their early or pilot phases can compete for a substantial grant of $7,000 to help them validate their models and accelerate their initial growth.
However, the program’s value extends far beyond the financial awards. Selected entrepreneurs will gain access to a comprehensive acceleration process, a key component delivered in partnership with the Emprende País program from the Fundación Bolívar Davivienda. This includes specialized mentorship from industry experts and the development of a personalized work plan designed to enhance the business’s scalability and long-term viability.
The scope of the program is regional, welcoming applications from projects based not only in Costa Rica but also in Colombia, Central America, and Mexico. The categories for submission are broad, reflecting the wide range of challenges addressed by the SDGs. They include bioeconomy and environmental impact, inclusion and reduction of inequalities, quality education, health and well-being, sustainable cities, and transparency.
Aspiring applicants should note that the window for submissions is now open and will close on March 23, 2026. The application process is entirely free of charge and must be completed through the program’s official online portal. This accessible approach encourages a wide and diverse pool of innovators to apply for this transformative opportunity.
Since its inception, Social Skin has established itself as a pivotal platform for purpose-driven entrepreneurship in the region. The program has reviewed over 5,400 applications and has disbursed more than $500,000 in economic support to date, cementing its reputation as a key catalyst for businesses that successfully merge profit with purpose.
For further information, visit socialskinprogram.com
About Social Skin:
Social Skin is a regional initiative dedicated to identifying, supporting, and promoting young entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental problems. The program provides a combination of financial capital, expert mentorship, and strategic guidance to help early-stage ventures scale their impact and achieve long-term sustainability, aligning their missions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
For further information, visit fundacionbolivardavivienda.org
About Fundación Bolívar Davivienda:
The Fundación Bolívar Davivienda is the social-investment arm of the Bolívar Davivienda financial group. The foundation is committed to fostering social development and economic progress in the communities it serves across Latin America. Through strategic programs like Emprende País, it focuses on empowering entrepreneurs, promoting quality education, and supporting cultural initiatives to build a more equitable society.
For further information, visit un.org
About United Nations:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It provides a forum for its member states to address global challenges collectively. A core part of its mission is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that serve as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This ethos drives the firm’s forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative legal strategies for a wide array of clients. Beyond its professional practice, the firm is deeply invested in social empowerment, championing accessible legal education to fortify the public’s understanding and engagement with the law.
