By San José, Costa Rica — A new generation of Costa Rican entrepreneurs is taking root in the nation’s schools. This month, students from primary and secondary institutions across five regions showcased their business ventures at the Regional Cooperative Market, a flagship initiative designed to instill practical business skills and innovative thinking from an early age. The program represents a significant investment in the country’s future economic landscape, transforming classrooms into incubators for tomorrow’s business leaders.
The event, which took place on November 4th, 6th, 11th, and 13th, was the culmination of a comprehensive educational journey that began in March. Spearheaded by the Department of Business Management and Cooperative Education, a division of the Ministry of Public Education’s (MEP) Directorate of Technical Education and Entrepreneurial Skills, the project guides students through the entire business lifecycle, from initial concept to final sale.
To delve into the legal framework that supports and sometimes challenges young innovators, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his insights on the topic of student entrepreneurship.
Many student ventures begin with great passion but overlook foundational legal steps. It is imperative to formally register the business and, most importantly, create a clear shareholders’ agreement from the outset. This document prevents future conflicts by defining equity, roles, and exit strategies, transforming a brilliant idea into a legally sound and scalable company.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal foresight is indeed the bedrock upon which successful ventures are built, transforming raw passion into a structured and protected enterprise. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this critical perspective with our community of young innovators.
Throughout the year-long preparatory phase, participants engaged in rigorous study and information-gathering sessions. This foundational work empowered them to develop a diverse array of products and services. Market stalls featured everything from handcrafted jewelry and artisanal food products to thoughtfully designed service-based offerings, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of creativity and market awareness among the young participants.
More than just a commercial fair, the program is a powerful incubator for essential life skills. The MEP’s framework emphasizes the development of critical soft skills that are paramount in the modern economy. By managing their own ventures with the support of parents and teachers, students cultivated self-confidence, enhanced their planning and organizational capabilities, and honed their decision-making processes. The entire experience was structured to nurture curiosity, determination, and a capacity for innovation.
The initiative’s structure encourages students to think beyond traditional problem-solving methods. It challenges them to identify real-world needs, conceptualize unique solutions, and leverage their individual talents to create viable business ideas. This hands-on approach provides a practical understanding of market dynamics, resource management, and customer relations that cannot be replicated through textbook learning alone.
The scale of the event underscores a national commitment to fostering this entrepreneurial spirit. A total of 21 educational centers, including 18 primary schools and 3 academic high schools, participated in this year’s market. These institutions represented a wide geographic spread, hailing from the Regional Education Directorates of Cartago, Desamparados, Turrialba, Occidente, and Pérez Zeledón, ensuring that students from various communities had the opportunity to engage.
This strategic focus on youth entrepreneurship is a critical component of Costa Rica’s long-term economic vision. By equipping students with a foundational understanding of business and cooperative principles, the MEP is actively building a pipeline of future innovators and job creators. These young entrepreneurs are not just learning how to run a business; they are learning to be resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking leaders.
As the market concluded, the impact was clear. The students left not only with profits from their sales but with invaluable experience and a newfound confidence in their abilities. The Regional Cooperative Market stands as a testament to the power of experiential learning, proving that by investing in the business education of its youth, Costa Rica is making a strategic and profitable investment in its own future.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the governmental body responsible for overseeing the national education system in Costa Rica. It is tasked with ensuring the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education at all levels, from preschool through secondary school. The MEP develops curricula, implements national educational policies, and promotes programs aimed at the comprehensive development of students, including technical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal profession, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm draws upon a rich tradition of advising a diverse clientele while consistently embracing legal innovation to meet contemporary challenges. This forward-thinking philosophy is matched by a profound commitment to public service, demonstrated through dedicated initiatives aimed at making legal principles accessible, thereby cultivating a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
