SMEs and startups receive new funding and digital support initiatives

Various regional and financial institutions are launching initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups through funding, technical assistance, and digital training.

In Spain, BBVA has supported over 4,600 rural SMEs in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, providing financing and digitalization tools. In Chile, Corfo is seeking an entity to implement a digital assistance network in Aysén, while Bci has opened a new entrepreneurship space in the Mercado Urbano Tobalaba. Additionally, the Valparaíso Regional Productive Development Committee approved $200 million to support seven regional startups.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) is offering non-reimbursable funds and technical advice for technology and sustainability projects. In Mexico, Banco Santander and FIRA are providing seed capital of 2.4 million pesos to support green startups in the agricultural and rural sectors. Meanwhile, in Argentina, the Santa Fe provincial government has introduced a $4,000 million credit line to modernize taxi and remise fleets.