List of Business and MSME Grants in Chile (2026) – Apply Now

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Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Chile. 

Whether you are a startup looking for seed capital, a formalised small business seeking to digitalise, or an entrepreneur wanting to expand into new markets, government grants and co-financing schemes can provide the financial boost you need.

MSMEs represent 98.5% of all businesses in Chile and generate 47% of employment. Recognising this, the Chilean government—through agencies like SERCOTEC, CORFO, and ANID—has rolled out numerous funding programmes for 2026 with billions of pesos in available resources.

This comprehensive guide lists the top business and MSME grants available in Chile for 2026, with detailed information on how to apply for each. 

Bookmark this page, check the application links regularly, and start preparing your proposals today.

1. Buffett Grant (for MSMEs in Chile)

The Buffett Grant—supported by foundations associated with the Buffett family philanthropic network—provides funding for social enterprises, community-driven businesses, and inclusive economic development across Latin America, including Chile. What It Funds:

  • Social enterprises and community-based businesses
  • Inclusive economic development and poverty alleviation
  • Women and youth entrepreneurship programmes
  • Organisational capacity building for mission-driven MSMEs

Eligibility:

  • Social enterprises and MSMEs with a clear social impact mission
  • Businesses operating in Chile or the Latin American region

How to Apply:
Applications are typically processed through the Buffett Foundation’s grant portal or via partner organisations that administer regional grants. For the most current information, visit:
🔗 Apply here:https://www.buffettgrant.com/apply-for-grants/

 (you can also send email application to: grants@buffettgrant.com)

Tip: Buffett-affiliated grants are without deadlines, it is based on cycles application for the year 2026, early application for mid year cycle is advised

2. Fondo Crece 2026 – SERCOTEC

Fondo Crece is one of SERCOTEC’s flagship programmes, providing non-repayable subsidies (subsidios no reembolsables) to help micro and small businesses scale, consolidate, and access new markets.

Key Details:

  • Subsidy amount: $5,000,000 CLP (non-repayable)
  • Total budget: Over $5 billion CLP nationally
  • Beneficiaries: 824 micro-enterprises and cooperatives across Chile
  • Regional impact: In Valparaíso alone, the budget exceeds $561 million CLP benefiting 94 businesses

What It Funds:

  • Investments (up to $4,000,000 CLP): Fixed assets, machinery, infrastructure, working capital
  • Business Management (up to $1,000,000 CLP): Technical assistance, training, marketing, and digital positioning

Eligibility:

  • Micro and small enterprises with valid first-category tax status (Inicio de Actividades en Primera Categoría)
  • Annual net sales between 200 UF and 25,000 UF
  • New businesses (under 1 year): minimum 20 UF sales and at least 3 months of activity
  • Cooperatives: sales per associate below 25,000 UF (financial services cooperatives excluded)
  • No outstanding labour, pension, or tax debts

How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.sercotec.cl
(Check regional bases for specific deadlines and co-financing requirements)

3. Capital Abeja Emprende – SERCOTEC (Women Entrepreneurs)

Capital Abeja Emprende is a competitive fund designed specifically to promote the creation of formal businesses led by women across Chile.

Key Details:

  • Subsidy amount: $3,500,000 CLP (non-repayable)
  • Total budget: $2,373 million CLP in 2026
  • Beneficiaries: 491 women entrepreneurs nationwide

What It Funds:

  • Business Management ($200,000–$500,000 CLP): Technical assistance, training, marketing, formalisation costs
  • Investments (up to $3,300,000 CLP): Assets, infrastructure, working capital

Eligibility:

  • Women 18 years or older (female legal sex)
  • No existing first-category tax status (SII)
  • A coherent business project aligned with regional criteria
  • No outstanding labour, pension, or tax debts
  • Not a majority shareholder (>50%) in an existing company

How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.sercotec.cl
(Note: The 2026 convocatoria opened on 14 May and closed on 27 May. Check SERCOTEC’s site for future calls.)

4. Kit Digital – SERCOTEC

Kit Digital is a new SERCOTEC programme launched in June 2026, providing subsidies for digital transformation and technological equipment.

Key Details:

  • Subsidy amount: $1,200,000 CLP + specialised advisory services
  • Total budget: Over $912 million CLP
  • Beneficiaries: Approximately 4,000 businesses and cooperatives

What It Funds:

  • Website development with shopping cart and digital payment systems
  • Business management systems for operational automation
  • Web marketing and positioning services
  • Hardware: Computers, POS terminals, electronic payment systems, printers

Eligibility:

  • MSMEs and cooperatives that have completed prior Ruta Digital training courses (mandatory requirement)

How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.sercotec.cl/programas/ruta-digital/
(Postulations open from 16 June to 26 June 2026.)

5. Capital Semilla Emprende – SERCOTEC

Capital Semilla Emprende supports the creation and formalisation of new micro-enterprises by providing funding and specialised accompaniment.

Key Details:

  • Subsidy amount: Approximately $3,000,000 CLP (non-repayable)
  • Beneficiaries: 541 entrepreneurs nationwide in 2026

What It Funds:

  • Business formalisation costs
  • Initial investments and working capital
  • Technical assistance and training

Eligibility:

  • New entrepreneurs looking to formalise their businesses
  • No existing first-category tax status
  • Coherent business project aligned with regional criteria

How to Apply:
🔗 Apply here: https://www.sercotec.cl
(Check SERCOTEC’s site for active convocatorias.)

How to get a grant in Chile?

Getting a grant in Chile requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Right Grant

Research the various grants available and identify those that match your business size, sector, and stage of development. Use the Chile Emprende platform—a one-stop digital portal that brings together over 177 programmes and fiscal benefits from 25 institutions, including SERCOTEC and CORFO.

Step 2: Ensure Your Business is Formalised

Most Chilean grants require your business to have Inicio de Actividades en Primera Categoría (first-category tax status) with the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII).

Step 3: Check Your Sales Range

Many grants have specific sales thresholds. For example:

  • Buffett Grants: $50 – $500,000 depending on scale
  • Startup Ciencia: Under 25,000 UF annual sales
  • New businesses: Minimum 20 UF sales and 3 months of activity

Step 4: Complete Required Training

Some programmes require prior training. For Kit Digital, you must complete Ruta Digital courses before applying. For Fondo Crece, completing at least 3 of 6 virtual courses (Financial Management, Digital Commerce, Digitalisation) is recommended.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documentation

Commonly required documents include:

  • RUT (tax ID) and company registration
  • Inicio de Actividades certificate (SII)
  • Sales declarations and financial statements
  • Detailed project proposal with budget
  • No-debt certificates (labour, pension, tax)

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Follow the specific application process for each grant. Most applications are submitted through:

Step 7: Follow Up

After submission, monitor your application status through the respective portal. Many programmes offer informational webinars—attend these to improve your chances.

What is the government grant for Chile 2026?

The Chilean government has allocated billions of pesos to support MSMEs in 2026 through various agencies. Here are the major grant programmes:

Key 2026 Government Grant Programmes:

ProgrammeAgencyAmountBeneficiaries
Fondo CreceSERCOTEC$5,000,000 CLP824 MSMEs
Capital AbejaSERCOTEC$3,500,000 CLP491 women entrepreneurs
Kit DigitalSERCOTEC$1,200,000 CLP4,000 MSMEs
Capital SemillaSERCOTEC~$3,000,000 CLP541 entrepreneurs
Cooperativas (New)SERCOTEC$8,000,000 CLP67 cooperatives
Cooperativas (Existing)SERCOTEC$20,000,000 CLP67 cooperatives
Gestión de la InnovaciónCORFOUp to $7.2M/companyGroups of 5+ MSMEs
Crea y ValidaCORFOUp to $220M CLPInnovation projects
Innova RegiónCORFOUp to $60M CLPRegional MSMEs
Desarrolla InversiónCORFOUp to $20M CLPRegional MSMEs
Programa ExpandeCORFOUp to $25M CLPStartups & MSMEs
Startup CienciaANIDUp to $134.5M CLPScience-tech startups

What is the most common grant?

The most common and widely accessible grant for Chilean MSMEs is Buffett Grants.

Why it is the most common:

  • Substantial funding: $50,000  non-repayable subsidy
  • Broad eligibility: Open to micro and small enterprises and cooperatives across all sectors
  • Flexible use: Covers both investments (assets, infrastructure, working capital) and business management (training, marketing, technical assistance)
  • Large reach: 824 beneficiaries nationwide with over $5 billion CLP in total budget
  • Non-repayable: Unlike bank loans, this subsidy does not need to be repaid

Other commonly accessed grants include:

  • Capital Abeja – for women entrepreneurs
  • Kit Digital – for digital transformation
  • Capital Semilla – for new business formalisation

What is the grant for startup in Chile?

Startups in Chile have several dedicated grant and funding programmes in 2026:

1. Buffett Grant – ANID (Up to $500,000 )

For science and technology-based enterprises (EBCT) with less than 10 years of operation.
🔗 Apply:https://www.buffettgrant.com/apply-for-grants/

2. Crea y Valida – CORFO (Up to $220,000,000 CLP)

For innovation projects based on I+D, from prototype to commercial validation.
🔗 Apply: https://www.corfo.gob.cl

3. Potencia Startup 2026 – UDD Ventures / CORFO

Selects 15 tech and Deep Tech startups for scaling support.
🔗 Apply: https://uddventures.udd.cl/potencia-startup (24 June – 17 July 2026)

4. Programa Expande – CORFO (Up to $25,000,000 CLP)

Supports the commercial take-off of Chilean startups.
🔗 Apply: https://www.corfo.gob.cl

5. Smart Vitacura 2026 (Up to $10,000,000 CLP)

For innovative startups to implement pilots.
🔗 Apply: https://chileglobalventures.cl

6. Capital Semilla Emprende – SERCOTEC (~$3,000,000 CLP)

For new entrepreneurs formalising their businesses.
🔗 Apply: https://www.sercotec.cl

Tips for a Successful Grant Application

  1. Start Early – Many grants have tight deadlines. Plan your proposal well ahead of time.
  2. Get Formalised – Most grants require Inicio de Actividades en Primera Categoría with the SII. If you’re not formalised, start with Capital Semilla.
  3. Know Your Sales Figures – Many grants have specific UF sales thresholds. Check your annual net sales before applying.
  4. Complete Required Training – For Kit Digital, complete Ruta Digital courses first. For Fondo Crece, complete at least 3 virtual courses.
  5. Prepare a Solid Project – Clearly define your objectives, activities, and expected outcomes. Include a detailed budget.
  6. Check Regional Bases – Many SERCOTEC and CORFO programmes have regional variations. Always check the specific bases for your region.
  7. Use Chile Emprende – Visit https://www.chileemprende.cl to find all public support programmes in one place.
  8. Attend Informative Webinars – CORFO and other agencies offer webinars to guide applicants. Take advantage of these.
  9. Ensure No Debts – Outstanding labour, pension, or tax debts will disqualify you from most grants.
  10. Follow Instructions Carefully – Each grant has specific eligibility criteria, format requirements, and deadlines. Read the guidelines thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

Securing funding for your business in Chile requires persistence, preparation, and a clear understanding of the available opportunities. The grants listed above represent some of the most accessible and relevant opportunities for 2026—from the Buffett Grant and SERCOTEC’s Fondo Crece to CORFO’s Crea y Valida and ANID’s Startup Ciencia.

The Chilean government has allocated billions of pesos to support MSMEs—make sure your business doesn’t miss out! Bookmark this page, visit Chile Emprende to explore all available programmes, and start preparing your proposals today.

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