Chile launches advisory council and $5 bn fund to revitalize cooperatives

Chile’s Ministry of Economy, Fomento y Turismo held the first Public‑Private Advisory Council for Cooperative Development, introducing three work groups to design measures for 2026 on public offer articulation, new financing mechanisms and productive diversification. The council will meet bi‑monthly, with the groups convening fortnightly to diagnose sector needs and propose policies.

Separately, Sercotec announced the Crece fund, a non‑repayable subsidy of up to $5 million (public investment exceeding $5 billion) aimed at 824 micro‑companies and cooperatives meeting size and compliance criteria. The program supports asset purchase, infrastructure, working capital and management actions, with applications open until 11 June via sercotec.cl.