Costa Rica launched Raíces (roots in the English language), the first incubation program focused exclusively on offering non-reimbursable grants to indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, the Tourism Institute said.

According to the institute, the goal of the program is to support entrepreneurs who work in tourism activities and protect nature. Each beneficiary may receive about $8,700 in non-reimbursable funds.

The program is sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Costa Rica Development Banking System (SBD).

“Indigenous peoples, in their age-old role as guardians of nature, are contributing to a common vision of sustainable development,” José Vicente-Troya, UNDP representative said.

The program will be officially launched on Tuesday, July 12 at the facilities of the Municipality of Buenos Aires Canton, Puntarenas province.

To be part of the program, entrepreneurs must meet some requirements such as being a member of one of the indigenous territories such as Boruca, Cabagra, China Kichá, Rey Curré, Salitre, Térraba or Ujarrás. Another requirement is to have a business idea related to tourism and nature protection.

 

The program plans to allocate about $145,500 among the chosen entrepreneurs. People interested in applying for grants should visit the Raices program site. The application deadline is Wednesday, August 17.

   
 

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