The Government of El Salvador, through CONAMYPE and with the support of the FANTEL fund, has boosted the growth of more than 37,000 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and artisan enterprises between june 2020 and may 2025. This intervention has been key to boosting the local economy, increasing the competitiveness of businesses, and encouraging innovation in products with greater added value.

The strategic programs “Desarrollo de la competitividad de las MYPE” and “Promover y consolidar empresas del sector artesanal” have enabled a significant investment in non-reimbursable seed capital in excess of US$1.5 million. As a result, MSEs have reported cumulative sales of almost US$3.9 million, as well as significant increases in production and employment generation.

In addition, initiatives such as Acelera Empresaria and Proyectos Detonantes have channeled more than US$619,000 to benefit 950 MSEs. In the handicrafts sector, the Premio Nacional de Artesanías has invested more than US$100,000 in five editions, generating more than 11,000 prototypes of products using traditional techniques, while eight community workshops have directly benefited 183 artisans.


The creation of the SMODA cluster, made up of more than 100 fashion companies, marks another important milestone. With a store in the Galerías and a presence at international fairs and catwalks, the cluster has projected salvadoran creativity in key markets such as the United States, Spain and Australia.


With 44 municipal agreements signed and 31 international marketing houses set up, the joint effort of CONAMYPE and FANTEL has consolidated a robust, sustainable, and inclusive business ecosystem, reaffirming the salvadoran government’s commitment to the integral development of MSEs and the handicraft sector.
