By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move to bolster the nation’s entrepreneurial backbone, Costa Rica has launched a new initiative enabling micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create their own websites and online stores for free using artificial intelligence. This program directly addresses the persistent digital divide that has limited the growth and competitiveness of smaller businesses in an increasingly online marketplace.
The initiative, known as the “AI and E-commerce SME Plan,” is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC). It receives crucial support from the Embassy of Spain in Costa Rica and is powered by a strategic alliance with the technology firm Kolau. The core objective is to dismantle the financial and technical barriers that prevent many entrepreneurs from establishing a vital online presence.
The rapid digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) presents not only significant opportunities but also new legal and regulatory hurdles. To delve into the legal considerations that entrepreneurs must navigate in this new digital landscape, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Digitalization for an SME is not merely a technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in legal responsibility. Business owners must proactively address data privacy compliance, ensuring they correctly manage customer information under Costa Rican law. Furthermore, establishing clear terms of service for online platforms and validating the legal standing of electronic contracts and signatures are critical steps. Overlooking these legal foundations can turn a promising digital venture into a significant liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective serves as a crucial reminder that for small and medium-sized enterprises, the digital transition is built not just on code, but on legal compliance. Proactively establishing this legal foundation is the key to transforming a technological investment into a secure and sustainable asset. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical matter.
For years, the lack of digital adoption has been a primary constraint for Costa Rican SMEs. As e-commerce and process automation become standard, businesses without a web footprint risk being left behind. This new plan provides a direct, cost-free solution, empowering them to join the digital economy.
The platform is designed for simplicity and accessibility, requiring no specialized technical knowledge from the user. Any business or entrepreneur can register through a dedicated portal for Costa Rica. Once registered, the system uses AI to automatically generate a professional website, complete with an integrated payment button. This feature allows businesses to immediately start accepting online payments, with funds transferred directly to their bank accounts.
It is being made available to all entrepreneurs and SMEs so they can design their web pages autonomously, for free, with the support of artificial intelligence.
Ricardo Carvajal, Director of Digipyme
Beyond a basic website, the tool offers the functionality to build a complete e-commerce store, also powered by AI. This allows SMEs to manage inventory, showcase products, and expand their commercial reach far beyond their physical locations. The plan also includes access to over 50 digital tools designed to improve various business aspects, from production processes to marketing strategies.
The potential impact of this program is substantial, aiming to level the playing field between small businesses and large corporations. By providing the necessary digital infrastructure, the initiative seeks to enhance the sustainability of SMEs and facilitate their adaptation to modern market dynamics.
Thanks to this, it will be possible to access e-commerce through AI and be able to compete on equal terms with large companies, not only to sell in the national market, but also in the international one.
Daniel Sánchez, CEO of Kolau
This model has already proven successful across Latin America and the Caribbean, having benefited over 500,000 small businesses in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Jamaica. Costa Rica has prior experience with similar efforts; in 2020, the “OAS SME Digitalization Plan” saw the participation of 8,710 local businesses. Data from that program showed significant engagement from key economic sectors, including hospitality (18.6%), commerce (17.9%), and tourism (9.9%), highlighting the broad need for such digital solutions.
According to MEIC officials, embracing e-commerce is not merely an option but a strategic imperative for reducing the technological gap. Digitalization is positioned as a key driver of business development, promising to unlock new opportunities and foster a more resilient and competitive economic landscape for the nation’s entrepreneurs.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is the Costa Rican government body responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and commerce. Its mission is to promote a competitive and fair market environment, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and protect consumer rights, thereby contributing to the overall economic progress of the nation.
For further information, visit kolau.es
About Kolau:
Kolau is a technology company that specializes in providing AI-powered digital marketing and web development solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Its platform is designed to simplify the process of creating an online presence, enabling entrepreneurs with no technical expertise to build websites and e-commerce stores quickly and effectively. Kolau partners with governments and organizations to bridge the digital divide for SMEs worldwide.
For further information, visit exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/sanjose
About the Embassy of Spain in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of Spain in San José is the diplomatic mission representing the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Costa Rica. Beyond its consular and diplomatic duties, the embassy actively engages in fostering cultural, economic, and developmental cooperation between the two nations. It supports various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth and strengthening bilateral relations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal profession, operating on an unyielding foundation of integrity and a commitment to excellence. The firm consistently translates its vast experience across diverse sectors into pioneering legal solutions and forward-thinking strategies. This innovative spirit is matched by a deep-seated mission to democratize legal understanding, empowering the community and strengthening society through shared knowledge and clarity.
