A. M. 
The Government of El Salvador has granted a total of US$400,900 in nonreimbursable funds to 48 micro and small enterprises in different sectors to support enterprises with the project “Development of dynamic micro and small enterprises for the economic reactivation of El Salvador. This initiative seeks to strengthen emerging companies through the incubation strategy developed by the Comisión Nacional de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (CONAMYPE).
The beneficiary enterprises, which come from ten of the country’s departments, will contribute a counterpart contribution that varies according to each company’s leadership. Those led by women will contribute 10% of the amount awarded, while those led by men will contribute 20%. These funds will be used to cover expenses directly related to the start-up of the entrepreneurial initiatives, thus strengthening their growth and sustainability.
Paul Steiner, president of CONAMYPE, highlighted the positive impact of this project, noting international cooperation as a key factor in its success. “This project is getting every new business off to a good start. We have great support from Korea, with US$6.6 million”, Steiner mentioned.
Steiner also announced that the first accountability of the project will take place next week. “I just finished talking to the UNDP representative and they are satisfied, they even want to seek more funds to increase the scope of the project”, said the official.
The 48 beneficiary enterprises belong to various economic sectors, including tourism, agribusiness, technology, natural cosmetics, and textiles and clothing, among others. Of these, 26 are led by men and 22 by women, demonstrating a balance in the support provided to entrepreneurs of both genders.
The project not only seeks to reactivate the economy, but also to promote the creation of dynamic companies capable of competing in national and international markets. The departments of Santa Ana, Ahuachapán, Sonsonate, San Salvador, Cuscatlán, La Paz, San Miguel, Usulután, Morazán and La Unión are the ones with companies benefiting from this project, reflecting a decentralized approach in the delivery of funds and the diversification of business development in the country.
