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The president of CONAMYPE, Paul Steiner, highlighted that micro and small businesses generate 42% of El Salvador’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data from the Fundación de Apoyo Integral (FUSAI). He also noted that if the contribution of the informal sector is included, their economic participation approaches 50% of the national GDP, reflecting the significant role that MSMEs play in the salvadoran economy.
These statements were made during an interview on Diálogo 21, where Steiner discussed the growth, formalization, and expansion of micro and small businesses in the country.
The head of CONAMYPE explained that the sector continues to increase its presence within the formal economy. According to data from the Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social (ISSS), in 2024 micro and small businesses represented 89.5% of active employers and formal employers in the country.
However, he indicated that by november 2025, the figure reached 93%, reflecting that more businesses are formalizing employment and generating new job opportunities.
Steiner asserted that this growth is partly due to a more favorable environment for starting and operating businesses in the country.
“We are observing very significant growth”, said the president of CONAMYPE, noting that there is currently greater confidence to invest in and develop ventures.
He also said the growth of small retail stores or neighborhood shops. He explained that in 2023 there were approximately 60,000 such establishments, while by the end of 2025, the figure had reached 85,000 stores nationwide.
According to Steiner, this increase reflects people’s confidence in investing their savings and opening new businesses.
He also noted that during 2025, CONAMYPE has promoted a phase of institutional expansion focused on strengthening services and facilitating access to financing for micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
Among the actions mentioned, he highlighted the signing of a new trust with the Banco de Fomento Agropecuario BFA), the second trust within the FECAMYPE funds.
He also reported the creation of two new Centros de Desarrollo Empresarial de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (CEDEMYPE), bringing the total to 15 centers nationwide.
Steiner explained that these centers operate through public-academic and public-private partnerships, one of the most recent being the one developed with FUSAI.
The president of CONAMYPE reiterated that micro and small enterprises continue to be one of the main drivers of the salvadoran economy, due to their capacity to generate employment, stimulate commerce, and expand economic development opportunities in different parts of the country.
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