Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Chile can now apply for the Fondo Crece Sercotec 2026, a government-backed subsidy program designed to provide up to $5 million in non-reimbursable financing for business development. Administered by the Technical Cooperation Service (Sercotec), the fund aims to help entrepreneurs strengthen their market position, improve productivity, and modernize operational infrastructure, according to the official Sercotec portal.
This initiative, which operates as part of the Chilean Ministry of Economy, Development, and Tourism’s broader support strategy for micro and small businesses, requires applicants to provide a co-payment of 10% of the total subsidy amount. The funding is intended to cover both business management consulting and investment in fixed assets, as detailed in the agency’s program guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the subsidy, businesses must meet specific regulatory and financial criteria. According to the Sercotec eligibility framework, applicants must be natural or legal persons with a tax initiation in the First Category of the Income Tax Law. Furthermore, the business must demonstrate annual net sales between 200 and 25,000 UF (Unidad de Fomento).
Additional requirements include:
- Maintaining an active status with the Internal Revenue Service (SII).
- Not having outstanding debts with Sercotec or the government.
- Having no pending labor or social security obligations.
- Completing the mandatory diagnostic test and business model canvas via the official Sercotec digital platform.
The program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging participation from various sectors, including services, commerce, and manufacturing. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific regional bases (bases regionales) for their location, as requirements may vary slightly depending on the local Sercotec office, as noted by the Government of Chile’s official information portal.
Application Process and Deadlines
The application process is conducted entirely online through the official Sercotec website. Interested entrepreneurs must register or log in to their account, select the “Crece” program corresponding to their region, and submit a project plan that outlines how the $5 million grant will be utilized to foster growth. The evaluation process prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear potential for job creation, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Once submitted, applications undergo a rigorous review process. According to the Sercotec procurement timeline, successful candidates are selected based on their technical scores, which evaluate the feasibility of the proposed investment plan and the applicant’s business trajectory. Sercotec officials have clarified that the funds cannot be used for debt consolidation or personal expenses, but must be directed toward specific growth-oriented activities such as equipment procurement, digital transformation, or market expansion.
Strategic Impact on the Chilean Economy
The Fondo Crece 2026 serves as a vital instrument for economic resilience. By providing non-reimbursable capital, the program lowers the barrier to entry for capital-intensive improvements that many small businesses otherwise struggle to afford. This funding model aligns with the national objective to increase the participation of SMEs in the global value chain, according to reports from the Ministry of Economy.
The program’s structure allows for a high degree of customization. Whether a business is looking to upgrade its technology, renovate a physical storefront, or invest in professional certification, the flexibility of the $5 million grant ensures that the support is tailored to the specific needs of the individual entrepreneur. This approach has historically been credited with helping businesses survive market fluctuations and scale operations effectively during periods of economic volatility.
Next Steps for Interested Entrepreneurs
Sercotec periodically updates its regional call schedules throughout the fiscal year. Applicants are strongly advised to monitor the official Sercotec website regularly for the opening of regional windows, as deadlines are strictly enforced and vary by territory. For those who have already initiated an application, the next milestone is the publication of the preliminary results on the platform, followed by a formal notification period for successful grantees.
Entrepreneurs seeking further guidance can access free technical assistance through the Centers for Business Development (Centros de Negocios Sercotec) located throughout the country. These centers provide personalized advisory services to help applicants refine their business plans and navigate the submission process. Share this information with fellow business owners and check back for updates on future funding rounds as they are announced by the agency.
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