Chile launches export contests and sustainability seal to boost SMEs

ProChile announced its 2027 round of export promotion contests covering silvo‑agro‑forestry, creative industries and services. The Silvo‑agropecuario contest will fund about $2 trillion (CLP) in co‑financing, covering up to 60 % for micro‑ and small firms and up to 50 % for medium firms, with individual project caps of $8 million and $16 million for associations. The creative‑industries and services contests each have a $150 million fund, also offering up to 50 % co‑financing and a maximum public contribution of $25 million. Director General Ignacio Fernández said the contests are “a tool of great importance for all export‑oriented sectors”.

Separately, Sercotec, in partnership with the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Chile, opened the Impact Sustainable Seal programme. The national call, open until 28 July, will select 25 micro‑ and small enterprises or cooperatives for recognition in one of three categories (Eleva, Travesía, Cumbre) and provide specialized advisory support. Hugo Plaza Piña highlighted the initiative’s role in strengthening sustainable practices, while Sercotec General Manager Henry Azurmendi stressed that supporting SMEs benefits the Chilean economy as a whole.