Master’s research highlights the impact of ACTIVA-CATIE on entrepreneurship

• Job creation in rural areas, greater business formalization, and income growth are some of the main achievements identified

Providing support that goes beyond seed capital is part of the hallmark left by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab: ACTIVA-CATIE on ventures that, since 2020, have been part of the calls promoted thanks to funding from the Development Banking System (SBD).

A recent master’s research project, conducted by Katherine Valeria Castellón, a Nicaraguan student in the International Academic Master’s in Economics, Development, and Climate Change at the CATIE Graduate School (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), analyzed the socioeconomic and environmental benefits generated by the ACTIVA-CATIE program through the financing granted to rural enterprises in Costa Rica.

Data collection

Data collection was carried out between February and May 2025, using a sample of 48 ventures supported during 2020, 2021, and 2022. Of these, 34 were surveyed through a structured questionnaire, which allowed fixed and precise responses.  

The ventures analyzed are located in the following provinces: 17 in Cartago, 9 in Alajuela, 5 in Puntarenas, 4 in San José and Heredia, and 3 in Guanacaste and Limón. All of them are rural businesses operating in harmony with nature.

“One of the aspects that struck me the most was observing how entrepreneurs managed to develop initiatives adapted to the conditions and challenges of their territories,” Katherine expressed about her field experience.

“I was surprised by the diversity of ideas, many with a strong focus on circular economy, agri-processing, and rural tourism. I was also impressed by their commitment to the community,” she added.

Key findings

Among the most relevant findings, the following were identified:

• Creation of 195 new jobs over an average period of three years, especially among young people, women, and older adults.
• Establishment of 135 productive linkages, where entrepreneurs began collaborating with other local actors such as suppliers or business partners.
• Access to new markets and growth in both gross and net income.
• Business formalization before state entities, which strengthens business sustainability.
• Adoption of sustainable practices, greater environmental awareness, and perception of ecological benefits.

“Another important aspect was the establishment of productive linkages, which helps to boost the economy in rural territories,” the researcher noted.

Beyond seed capital

Since 2020, ACTIVA-CATIE has been an SBD-accredited agency authorized to grant seed capital. Its work has stood out for providing training and personalized support to selected ventures, strengthening their impact.  

“The greatest contribution of ACTIVA-CATIE is that it does not limit itself to delivering seed capital, but rather promotes a comprehensive approach, fostering business ideas with social, economic, and environmental impact,” Katherine commented. “This support was one of the elements most highlighted by the entrepreneurs, as it was present throughout the implementation process,” she concluded.

Relevance for the future

Vladimir Valera, director of ACTIVA-CATIE, emphasized the importance of this type of study. “Such deep and rigorous analyses are necessary to identify strengths and, at the same time, pending challenges. We believe the results of this research can be used to adjust our strategies, reinforce what works, and redesign aspects that require improvement.”

This is relevant because, with the support of the SBD, we hope to continue contributing to the strengthening of ventures in Costa Rica’s rural sector.