Micro and small enterprises contribute 48.8% of El Salvador's GDP

A new report titled ‘The State of the MYPE 2026: The Other Face of the Economy’ reveals that micro and small enterprises (MYPE) account for over 99% of the business landscape in El Salvador. These businesses contribute 48.8% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and represent approximately 75% of economic occupation, employing roughly one million people.

While business confidence within the sector has reached its highest level since 2020, significant structural challenges remain. The study, conducted by the FUSAI MYPE Observatory and FLACSO El Salvador, highlights a major gap in financial inclusion: 52 out of every 100 MYPEs lack links to the formal financial system.

Experts noted that the sector is heterogeneous, with subsistence micro-enterprises facing the greatest difficulties in accessing financing. To translate current optimism into increased sales, investment, and employment, the report suggests a need to strengthen the broader business ecosystem and expand formal banking participation.