By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant boost to the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) has allocated $1.8 million in non-repayable seed capital to 118 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during 2025. This strategic investment, equivalent to over ¢900 billion colones, aims to catalyze innovation, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth across the country.
The funds were awarded to promising projects participating in a diverse range of Procomer’s 2025 initiatives. These programs are specifically designed to address critical areas of modern business development, including Green Growth, Cultiva+ for the agricultural sector, Commercial Promotion, Technological Impulse, and the specialized Open Innovation Challenges focused on cassava and plantain value chains. This targeted approach ensures that capital is directed towards sectors with high potential for both domestic impact and international expansion.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the SME financing landscape, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and commercial law.
For many small and medium-sized enterprises, the primary obstacle to securing funding isn’t a lack of good ideas, but a lack of formal structure. Lenders and investors require legal certainty. This means having a properly registered corporate entity, immaculate accounting records, and a clear understanding of the collateral and guarantees involved. Before seeking capital, the most critical investment an entrepreneur can make is in formalizing their business; it transforms a project into a bankable asset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the bridge between a great idea and tangible funding is built with legal and financial formality. This transforms a passionate project into a credible, “bankable asset,” opening the very doors entrepreneurs seek to enter. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
For the recipient companies, this capital infusion is more than just financial support; it is a critical tool for transformation. The funds empower these businesses to validate their core business models, integrate cutting-edge technologies into their operations, and refine their production processes. Such enhancements are essential for SMEs looking to scale up and meet the rigorous standards of more demanding global markets, ultimately strengthening Costa Rica’s export portfolio.
The initiative is part of a broader, long-term vision to foster a resilient and dynamic business landscape. Laura López, the General Manager of Procomer, emphasized the strategic importance of backing the country’s innovators and entrepreneurs. She highlighted how these investments yield dividends far beyond the individual companies they support.
The recognition of these SMEs demonstrates the tangible impact of investing in innovation processes for the country’s companies. These initiatives strengthen business competitiveness and generate positive effects on communities, employment, and diversification.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
López’s statement underscores the program’s multiplier effect. By empowering SMEs, Procomer is not only fostering corporate success but also contributing to job creation at the local level and promoting a more diversified national economy. This move away from economic reliance on a few key sectors is crucial for long-term stability and prosperity in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
The 2025 allocation is the latest chapter in a long-standing commitment to nurturing Costa Rican enterprise. Since their inception, Procomer’s seed capital programs have become a cornerstone of the national development strategy. To date, these initiatives have successfully supported over 800 SMEs with a cumulative investment exceeding $14 million, demonstrating a sustained and impactful effort to build a robust entrepreneurial foundation.
This success is built on a powerful collaborative model. Procomer does not act alone, but rather in concert with key strategic partners. The program’s resources are fortified by contributions from the Development Banking System (SBD), the CRUSA Foundation, and the National Training Institute (INA). This public-private partnership creates a comprehensive support ecosystem that provides entrepreneurs not only with capital but also with the training, mentorship, and financial structuring needed to thrive.
Looking forward, the focus on green growth, agritech innovation, and digital transformation signals a clear direction for Costa Rica’s economic future. By channeling resources into these forward-looking sectors, Procomer and its partners are ensuring that the nation’s SMEs are well-equipped to compete and lead in the global economy of tomorrow, driving a new era of sustainable and inclusive development for the country.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
Procomer is the official agency responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It provides support to national companies, particularly SMEs, through market intelligence, international promotion, and capacity-building programs. The organization plays a pivotal role in positioning Costa Rica as a competitive and reliable partner in global trade.
For further information, visit sbd.fi.cr
About SBD (Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo):
The Development Banking System is a Costa Rican financial framework designed to promote economic development by providing financing and non-financial support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It works through accredited financial entities to channel resources towards productive projects, fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and regional growth.
For further information, visit crusacr.org
About Fundación CRUSA:
The CRUSA Foundation is a private, independent Costa Rican non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development and improves the quality of life in the country. It invests in and supports strategic initiatives in areas such as human capital, climate action, and business innovation, often in partnership with public and private sector entities.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About INA (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje):
The National Training Institute is Costa Rica’s leading institution for technical and vocational training. INA offers a wide range of free training programs and certification services to enhance the skills of the workforce, aligning its curriculum with the evolving demands of the labor market to promote employment and national competitiveness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its principled dedication to professional excellence and ethical practice. Drawing upon a rich history of serving a broad range of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its practice, it holds a profound commitment to strengthening the community by championing access to legal information, thereby empowering individuals and contributing to a more knowledgeable society.
