Senior entrepreneurship initiatives in Costa Rica and Spain

Senior entrepreneurship initiatives have been launched in Costa Rica and Spain to support older populations and combat age-related labor prejudices.

In Costa Rica, the Asociación Gerontológica Costarricense (AGECO) and the Sistema de Banca para el Desarrollo (SBD) have introduced the second edition of the ‘Fondo Impulsando mi Idea Productiva y Fortalecimiento de la Empresariedad Mayor’ contest. The program targets entrepreneurs aged 45 and older with existing businesses. Approximately 25 beneficiaries are expected to receive non-reimbursable seed capital of up to ₡4 million, alongside business training through the AGEMPRENDE incubator. To maintain eligibility, participants must follow an approved investment plan; funds are restricted to business formalization, technical validation, working capital, and productive assets, and cannot be used for debt, taxes, rent, salaries, or real estate.

In Spain, the eighth edition of the ‘Premios +50 Emprende’ awards has begun. Led by Savia—a project of Fundación Endesa and Fundación Máshumano—the initiative features a 33,000 euro prize pool split between General and Green Entrepreneurship categories. Registration for the awards remains open until January 17, 2027.