For the first time, the initiative will reach seven regions to strengthen youth-led entrepreneurship.
San José, Costa Rica, June 2026. Starting a business from a rural community, strengthening a family business, or turning an idea into a growth opportunity will be possible for more than 210 young people thanks to a new edition of Impulso Emprende Joven, a program that this year expands its reach and will, for the first time, operate across seven regions of the country.
The initiative, developed by the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) in alliance with the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) and the Rural Development Institute (INDER), seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial and innovative skills among Costa Rican youth through practical training processes, mentoring, and the development of business management skills.
“We believe in the talent, creativity, and transformative capacity of our youth. When a young person receives tools to start a business, they not only strengthen their life project, they also contribute to the development of their community. This program represents a commitment to a Costa Rica where opportunities reach all territories and where no young person sees their potential limited by the place where they live,” said Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth.
In total, 210 young people will benefit from an investment exceeding ₡49 million. In addition, the training will be completely free of charge and will include meals and materials during the training days, promoting more equitable access conditions for all participants.
“Young talent is present throughout the country, and our commitment is to bring opportunities closer so that it can develop. With this new call of the Impulso Emprende Joven Program, we want more young people to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, acquire innovative tools, and take the next step to turn their ideas into projects with growth potential that contribute to their development and that of their communities,” said Christian Rucavado Leandro, Vice Minister of Economy, Industry and Commerce.
The 2026 edition marks a milestone in the program’s history by decentralizing its implementation and extending it beyond the Greater Metropolitan Area, with special emphasis on rural territories.
Training sessions will take place in Monteverde, Tamarindo, Ciudad Quesada, Limón, Buenos Aires de Puntarenas, Grecia, and Cartago, bringing training tools closer to young people from different regions of the country and contributing to the generation of economic opportunities in their own communities.
“At INDER, we are convinced that the development of rural territories depends on generating more opportunities for young people, which is why we join initiatives such as Impulso Emprende Joven, which brings training, innovation, and entrepreneurship tools to communities where there is enormous talent. The arrival of this program represents an opportunity for more young people to develop their productive projects, strengthen their business skills, and find new alternatives to grow,” said Ricardo Quesada Salas, Executive President of INDER.
Training to boost projects and generate opportunities
Impulso Emprende Joven aims to strengthen skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, financial management, and business models, providing tools to improve existing initiatives or develop new productive projects.
Workshop schedule:
Monteverde
Registration: June 18–30
Workshops: July 16, 17, 18
Tamarindo
Registration: June 26 – July 12
Workshops: July 30, 31 – August 1
Ciudad Quesada
Registration: July 3–19
Workshops: August 6, 7, 8
Limón
Registration: July 20 – August 2
Workshops: August 20, 21, 22
Buenos Aires de Puntarenas
Registration: July 27 – August 9
Workshops: August 27, 28, 29
Grecia
Registration: August 3–16
Workshops: September 3, 4, 5
Cartago
Registration: August 10–23
Workshops: September 10–12
Registration links can be found on the social media channels of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the National Youth Council, MEIC, and INDER, as well as on the website www.mcj.go.cr.
During this experience, participants will have access to specialized mentoring, networking spaces, funding opportunities, and support networks that will allow them to strengthen their businesses and expand their growth possibilities.
Inspiring stories
The impact of the program is already reflected in real experiences of young entrepreneurs who have managed to consolidate their initiatives thanks to the knowledge acquired.
Carwill Rodríguez Wilson, a participant in the 2025 edition and founder of Milo Bakery & Pizza, stated:
“Participation in Impulso Emprende Joven 2025 was a key factor in the growth and strengthening of our business. Thanks to the workshops on costs, marketing, and business model innovation, we were able to improve our management and make more strategic decisions. The support received allowed us to identify new growth opportunities and strengthen our value proposition. Today we can say that this program has significantly contributed to the development and consolidation of our business.”
With this initiative, the organizing institutions reaffirm their commitment to the comprehensive development of Costa Rican youth, generating opportunities so that more young people can transform their ideas into sustainable projects, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
