Call participants for non-reimbursable fund competitions for SMEs

• This Wednesday “Discover” and “Green Growth” launched initiatives designed to benefit 80 small national companies with seed capital.
• This support seeks to improve the environmental sustainability profiles and the export capacity of companies, diversify agriculture and fisheries and attract investment in rural areas.
• Interested parties must apply before August 30.

In order to promote productive transformation in Costa Rican enterprises, increase competitiveness and improve access to international markets, the call for proposals is now open for the third edition of the Green Growth competition for grant funding and the first edition of Discover.

The competitions, promoted by the two programs offered by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), are designed to benefit a total of 80 companies.

“Green Growth” seeks to improve the environmental the sustainability profile and the export capacity of SMEs. Simultaneously, “Discover” is an inter-institutional program for the diversification of agriculture, fisheries, and the attraction of investments in rural areas.

In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and PROCOMER, the competitions include efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and are possible thanks to the funds provided by the CRUSA Foundation, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Development Banking System (SBD).

During the launch of both competitions, the President of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado, reaffirmed his administration’s support for the productive transformation of the country, noting that these initiatives are part of the economic recovery measures that are particularly important for the rural agricultural sectors. “We seek to streamline the economy to make it more competitive and productive. My commitment is to inclusive and sustainable economic growth and growth in the country’s future productivity,” he added.

How does it work?
For Pedro Beirute Prada, General Manager at PROCOMER, the Promoters leadership role in the launching of both competitions is a clear demonstration of the provisions set forth in the 2019-2022 institutional strategy. He pointed out that PROCOMER is committed to developing businesses with a purpose that have an impact on exports, enhances the country’s development, makes responsible use of resources and benefits the greatest number of citizens. “We want to make our offer more attractive to international markets by adding value in the production processes, guaranteeing the well-being of all participants involved,” he added.Dyalá Jiménez, Minister of COMEX, also commented that “the union of these programs fills the foreign trade sector with pride, because it clearly portrays our eagerness to help Costa Rican companies become more competitive and reach their maximum potential. We promote productive transformation because, in addition to increasing company growth, organizations become sustainable in their environmental, social and economic facets.”

Companies interested can participate with projects that require technical advice, the acquisition of equipment, certifications, innovations, and others.

In this case, the winning companies may obtain non-reimbursable financing for up to 80% of the development of their project. The amount per project varies, based on category, with a

with a maximum of US$15,00 for financing.

To participate, companies must meet the following criteria:

•        Be an SME

•        Be up to date with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund.

•        Be up to date with operating permits from the Ministry of Health, municipal patents or any other permits necessary for the operation of the business.

•        Complete the “PROCOMER exporter diagnosis” and be an exporter, or a potential exporter.

Companies interested in participating must submit their projects before August 30 through  the application platform available at www.crecimientoverdecr.com or http://www.descubre.cr/; where information can also be found regarding the programs, Operating Bases, and Rules and Conditions for the competitions.

To learn more about Green Growth, you may contact crecimientoverde@procomer.com or call 4505-4909.

To learn more about Discover, contact descubre@procomer.com or call 4505-4917.