SME Support Services Expand With New Chile Partnership
Startups and small businesses now gain access to 62 support centers to simplify market entry and operational planning in Chile.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Startups
Live Poll
Do you believe government-backed international partnerships are effective at helping local small businesses expand abroad?
The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) has signed a formal partnership with Chile’s Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Cooperation Corporation (SERCOTEC). The agreement aims to facilitate market entry and information sharing for small businesses looking to expand into Chile.
Why it matters
This partnership provides startups with a direct channel for navigating foreign regulatory and operational environments. By leveraging established government networks in Chile, businesses can lower the barriers to entry for cross-border expansion.
The agreement leverages a network of 62 SERCOTEC Business Development Centers across Chile to support domestic SMEs. The full scope of available market support services remains subject to upcoming joint operational planning.
The players
Korea SMEs and Startups Agency
A South Korean government entity tasked with supporting SME growth and facilitating international market entry.
Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Cooperation Corporation
A Chilean state-backed organization that manages a vast network of development centers to support business competitiveness.
The details
Under the agreement signed at the Moneda Bicentenario Government Building, the agencies will exchange operational personnel and share SME support policy frameworks. KOSME will utilize its Santiago Global Business Center to match domestic SME demand with opportunities in the Chilean market. Businesses can expect joint seminars and training programs designed to align local market knowledge with the needs of foreign startups.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The agencies signed the formal business agreement in Santiago, Chile.
October 27, 2026: KOSME officially announced the partnership to the public.
Market Landscape
This partnership integrates with the existing KOSME Global Business Center international network to scale startup reach. It follows a pattern of government-led institutional cooperation designed to formalize support for cross-border SME entry.
Startups eyeing South American expansion should monitor upcoming joint seminar schedules to access market information. Business owners should prepare to coordinate with the Santiago Global Business Center to leverage these new state-supported resources.
The takeaway
This agreement signals a lower-risk pathway for SMEs to enter the Chilean market through established government channels. Owners should track KOSME announcements for the specific rollout of joint training programs to determine if their product or service aligns with current market demand.
Further reading
For more on how cross-border initiatives shape growth, explore the Startups section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
Live Poll
Do you believe government-backed international partnerships are effective at helping local small businesses expand abroad?
