Chile's Sercotec launches Crece Mujer fund to boost women‑led SMEs

Chile's Servicio de Cooperación Técnica (Sercotec) opened the Crece Mujer competition, allocating more than 5 billion Chilean pesos of public funds to grant non‑repayable subsidies of up to 5 million pesos to micro and small enterprises led by women. Applications are accepted online until 11 June, with the first batch targeting 54 women entrepreneurs in the Cautín and Malleco provinces.

The broader Crece programme, which operates nationwide, provides similar subsidies to micro‑businesses and cooperatives across all sectors. One highlighted case is Fabiola Torres, manager of Óptica Torres in Los Lagos, who used a 5‑million‑peso grant to purchase new equipment and expand services. Officials said the support aims to strengthen productive capacity, competitiveness and market access for small firms, generating employment and regional development.

Sercotec officials, regional directors and local authorities attended the launch, underscoring the government’s push to reactivate the economy through targeted assistance to formalised small businesses.