Guatemala City, June 12, 2025.– A total of 53 Guatemalan startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have been selected to receive non-reimbursable funding under the Regional Seed Capital Program, thanks to the DINAMICA II Initiative, an effort led by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Government of Germany through KfW, and the European Union.
The grant funding, which exceeds US$628,000, will support innovative projects across the services, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Each selected initiative promotes sustainability, digital transformation, and responsible economic growth. Notably, nearly 50% of the awarded projects are led by women entrepreneurs, underscoring the program’s commitment to inclusion and gender equity.
The selection was part of a regional call for proposals open to applicants from Central America, Panamá, and the Dominican Republic. In Guatemala, the process was supported by local institutions including Red Nacional de Grupos Gestores (RNGG), PRODETUR, and Centro PROMIPYME of Centro Universitario de Oriente (CUNORI), which provided technical assistance to help entrepreneurs structure and submit their proposals.
Miguel Ángel Almeyda, CABEI’s Country Manager in Guatemala, emphasized: “This seed capital allocation reflects CABEI’s strong commitment to strengthening Guatemala’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together with our strategic partners, we’re driving sustainable, innovative business models that are well positioned to address today’s regional challenges.”
The European Union Delegation in Guatemala also noted that this initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investment in areas such as digitalization, the circular economy, and inclusive development.
German Ambassador to Guatemala, Mr. Hardy Boeckle, added: “We are proud to help expand access to financing and technical assistance for young, innovative businesses that are committed to local development. I hope their products will one day reach Germany and Europe, our markets are open and ready.”
During the award ceremony, several recipients shared how this financial support marks a pivotal step in scaling their ventures.
Evelyn Rubí De León, founder of Tenoris, a boutique specializing in custom wedding and quinceañera gowns, shared plans to invest in immersive technologies: “Technology and innovation don’t just transform businesses, they transform entire communities. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to use immersive tech to create personalized, unforgettable experiences.”
Rafael Guillén, founder of Bosys, a platform that simplifies e-invoicing and financial management for SMEs, highlighted the program’s role in his company’s growth: “Thanks to this seed capital and the support from PRODETUR, Bosys has enhanced its tech platform and found the momentum to expand across the region. This isn’t just funding, it’s validation for those of us who dream of transforming the SME landscape.”
Ingrid Judith Ramírez García, who leads a tilapia farming and sales business, spoke powerfully about the broader impact of the program: “This support uplifts more than just my business. It uplifts my community, especially rural women like me who work hard every day, and shows future generations that they can succeed without leaving their roots behind. I’m committed to making this project a source of employment, innovation, and, above all, hope.”
Through its Regional Seed Capital Program, the DINAMICA II Initiative has provided over US$6.2 million in funding across El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and now Guatemala, strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering inclusive economic development.
