The INA (National Learning Institute) confirms that MSMEs represent over 95% of Costa Rica's business park. Through the UFODE strategy (2023–2024), INA supported 2,200+ MSMEs, trained 1,000+ entrepreneurs, awarded 690 innovation scholarships, and supported 210+ women-led MSMEs. This demonstrates the critical role of structured mentoring in strengthening the MSME ecosystem.

The Activa-Catie programme, now in its 7th edition, provides mentorship and technical support for rural SMEs across 10+ sectors including forestry, agriculture, beekeeping, livestock, bio-inputs, cocoa, rural tourism, coffee, and agtech. The programme demonstrates how targeted mentoring can support sustainable rural enterprise development and diversification.

The ImpulsaAgroBio initiative, supported by IICA, aims to strengthen 50 agrobioentrepreneurs through structured mentorship, with an expected outcome of 30 entrepreneurs having validated ideas, value propositions, or investment access. This programme addresses the growing opportunity in bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture.

The Impulso Emprende Joven programme, launched in 2025 and expanded to 7 regions in 2026, reached 210 young entrepreneurs with over ¢49 million (Costa Rican colones) in investment. The programme provides 4 core components (training, mentoring, networking, and financing) across 5 training areas (entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, finance, and business models). Regions reached include Monteverde, Tamarindo, Quesada, Limón, Buenos Aires, Grecia, and Cartago.

A Universidad Nacional (UNA) study on academic peer mentoring (2023) found that 70%+ of student mentors demonstrated socio-emotional competencies in the high range across all 9 competencies measured. The study showed a 0.533 correlation between socio-emotional competencies and academic performance. Among mentors, 67.6% passed 100% of their courses in the II cycle of 2022, 70.8% identified academic benefits from mentoring, and 98.5% highlighted skills development. The study included 61+ active student mentors.

The Diwo Ambiental green business bootcamp in Sierpe trained 18 participants through 9 training sessions, selected 9 projects for personalised mentoring, and provided $10,000 in supplies to 12 ventures. The programme developed 4 business plans for communities including Boruca, Palmar Sur, Térraba, and Sierpe, demonstrating how mentoring can support sustainable economic development in rural and indigenous communities.

The Mujeres ON programme, implemented by Coca-Cola FEMSA, has impacted 600+ women entrepreneurs across Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The latest cohort included 184 women in Costa Rica and 56 in Nicaragua, with 60+ training hours, 41 courses and talks, and 20 strategic partners from universities, financial institutions, and tech organisations. The programme expanded to Panamá in 2026 and introduced new digital tools including a chatbot "Luz" and an e-learning platform.

The AGRI-Lab initiative, launched by MAG, INA, and IICA, includes 4 components: AGRO-TALK, ECA-t (technology field schools), entrepreneurship development, and open innovation. The first AGRO-TALK event in August 2026, titled "Jóvenes inspirando a jóvenes" (Young people inspiring young people), demonstrates the programme's focus on youth leadership in agricultural innovation. Partners include Corbana, Corfoga, and the National Chamber of Dairy Farmers.

The Lifting Hands programme provides 1 hour/week of volunteer mentorship, offering academic and emotional support through 6 components: tutoring, emotional support, nutrition, technology, English, and safe spaces. The programme is built on the evidence that high school completion could reduce poverty by 50%, demonstrating the transformative power of mentoring in breaking cycles of poverty.