Chile expands entrepreneurship funds and regional development initiatives

Various regional economic and social development initiatives are being implemented across Chile. The Chilean government has announced an expansion of Sercotec’s Capital Semilla Modo Empleo fund, injecting an additional $2.5 billion to double the number of beneficiaries from 583 to over 1,100. This program specifically targets unemployed individuals, including women and youth, providing a $3 million non-reimbursable subsidy to help launch formal small businesses.

In the Tarapacá region, Sercotec reported an 80.8% execution rate of its $566.8 million annual investment, while the Regional Productive Development Committee is coordinating future support for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, the Tarapacá Regional Government is funding the installation of 380 security cameras through the 8% FNDR fund to enhance neighborhood safety.

Other local developments include the municipality of Purén receiving approximately $95 million from the FIGEM fund for communal investment following improvements in institutional transparency. In Curicó, over $92 million has been allocated to the 2026 Neighborhood Development Fund (FONDEVE) to support 156 community projects. Meanwhile, in Calama, the Chilean Chamber of Construction is launching FECOP 2026 to strengthen the local business ecosystem by connecting contractors with the mining and energy industries.