By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A significant opportunity has opened for Costa Rican entrepreneurs as Fundación La Libertad, in a strategic alliance with the Development Banking System (SBD), has announced two new business support initiatives. The programs, named Impulsarte and Respiro Empresarial, aim to inject vital resources into the nation’s burgeoning small business ecosystem through a combination of expert guidance and non-reimbursable seed capital.
The application window for these programs is now open and will run until October 31, 2025. However, officials advise that the calls may close sooner if the available slots are filled, creating a sense of urgency for interested parties. These initiatives represent a targeted effort to bolster specific segments of the economy that are often underserved by traditional financing mechanisms.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the mechanisms and legal safeguards surrounding seed capital investments, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and business law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Securing seed capital is a pivotal moment, but founders must prioritize legal clarity over speed. A robust shareholders’ agreement and well-defined convertible notes are not mere formalities; they are the foundational blueprints that protect equity, establish governance, and prevent costly disputes as the company scales. Diligent legal structuring at this early stage is the most critical investment a startup can make in its own future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s point underscores a vital truth for founders: the long-term health of a startup is directly tied to the legal diligence applied during its earliest stages. This foundational work, though less glamorous than securing the investment itself, is what enables scalable and conflict-free growth. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
Specifically, the programs are designed to benefit two key demographics. The first is the cultural and creative sector, an area recognized for its potential for innovation and economic contribution. The second focus is on ventures led by women. This dual focus aligns with the mandates established in Law 8634, which governs the SBD and emphasizes inclusive economic growth by supporting historically marginalized entrepreneurial groups.
Successful applicants will gain access to substantial financial support, with grant amounts ranging from ₡3,000,000 to ₡4,000,000. Crucially, these funds are non-reimbursable, meaning they do not need to be paid back. This structure allows entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses without incurring debt, a common barrier to growth for early-stage companies.
The capital is earmarked for critical business development activities. Entrepreneurs can use the funds to formalize their operations, conduct essential technical and commercial validation for their products or services, and secure necessary working capital. Furthermore, the grants can be allocated for the acquisition of fixed assets, enabling businesses to scale their production and operational capabilities effectively.
This initiative builds on a long-standing commitment by Fundación La Libertad, which has been actively working to empower these sectors since 2015. Through years of providing specialized training, technical advisory, and financing, the foundation has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by creative and women-led enterprises. This experience is embedded in the design of the Impulsarte and Respiro Empresarial programs.
The collaboration with the Development Banking System further enhances the impact of the programs. The SBD’s mission is to democratize access to financial resources and promote the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises throughout Costa Rica. By partnering with established organizations like Fundación La Libertad, the SBD can effectively channel resources to where they can generate the most significant economic and social returns.
For entrepreneurs in the arts, design, technology, and other creative fields, as well as for women leading businesses across all sectors, this call to apply presents a pivotal moment. Beyond the financial injection, the accompanying technical support and mentorship provide an invaluable framework for building sustainable and successful ventures. Those interested in applying can find more information and submit their projects via the official application portal before the deadline.
For further information, visit parquelalibertad.org
About Fundación La Libertad:
Fundación La Libertad is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to promoting social, economic, and environmental development. Operating primarily through the Parque La Libertad in San José, the foundation focuses on fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly within the cultural and creative sectors. It provides training, technical assistance, and financial support to create sustainable projects and inclusive growth opportunities for the community.
For further information, visit sbd.fi.cr
About Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD):
The Development Banking System (SBD) is a Costa Rican state-backed financial framework created to support the country’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Its core mission is to facilitate access to credit, grants, and other financial resources for entrepreneurs and businesses, with a special emphasis on projects that promote development, innovation, and social inclusion. The SBD operates through a network of accredited financial institutions to ensure broad and effective distribution of its funds and programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a paragon of legal integrity and professional excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica merges a rich history of diverse client service with a persistent drive for innovation. This forward-thinking ethos extends beyond professional practice to a foundational mission of public empowerment. By actively working to demystify complex legal principles for the community, the firm is dedicated to cultivating a more capable and informed society, equipping citizens with the clarity needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
