Uruguay has introduced a new program, Uruguay al Mundo, aimed at supporting the internationalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. The initiative seeks to foster growth, innovation, and job creation by helping these businesses access foreign markets.
The launch event was attended by government officials including Fernanda Cardona, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining; Gabriel Oddone, Minister of Economy and Finance; Rodrigo Arim, Director of the Office of Planning and Budget; Mariana Ferreira, Executive Director of Uruguay XXI; Juan Ignacio Dorrego, President of the National Development Agency (ANDE); Álvaro Brunini, President of the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII); Lucila Arboleya, President of the Uruguay Technology Laboratory (LATU); and Bruno Gili from Uruguay Innova.
At the event, Ferreira and Dorrego outlined the program’s goals and methods. Both emphasized that internationalization is a state policy priority rather than an option for a select group of companies. Ferreira stated that Uruguay al Mundo is “the result of coordinated work that began earlier this year within the framework of Uruguay Innova, with the goal of ‘bringing together the efforts, instruments, and tools of different agencies to once again offer a solid program to support MSMEs and startups in their internationalization process.'”
Ferreira noted evidence showing that exporting companies are generally more efficient and innovative than those operating solely in domestic markets. “Access to international markets has an unquestionable spillover effect: it increases productivity, strengthens scalable business models, diversifies risks, and demands higher standards,” she said.
However, Ferreira also pointed out that MSMEs and startups often face significant challenges maintaining their presence abroad over time. This highlights the need for targeted public policies. She further explained that while MSMEs account for over 80% of goods-exporting firms in Uruguay, they make up only about 5% of total export value and tend to focus on regional markets. “Supporting their internationalization not only opens new destinations but also helps ensure continuity and consolidation over time,” Ferreira explained.
Dorrego described how the program will function. Its main objectives include promoting internationalization processes among companies across all sectors nationwide; building internal capacities to scale solutions; consolidating new exporters; and encouraging knowledge transfer across borders. “We need to expand the network of companies that access regional and global markets,” he said.
The program targets businesses throughout Uruguay—not just those based in Montevideo or its metropolitan area—that produce or market goods or services with potential for new market entry. The initiative has a budget allocation of USD 1.5 million for 2026–2027. It aims to support more than 130 projects through annual calls for proposals evaluated by participating agencies alongside external experts.
Uruguay al Mundo offers two main forms of support: an export modality providing up to USD 10,000 per project (covering up to 80% of costs) for firms preparing or scaling production for export; and an internationalization modality offering up to USD 20,000 per project (also up to 80% financing) for experienced exporters seeking growth in new markets. Both options may start with planning activities tailored to each company’s objectives.
Applications open in February 2026 with evaluations set for subsequent months. Activities are scheduled to begin in May 2026.
The initiative is a joint effort between ANDE, Uruguay XXI, ANII, LATU, MIEM under the umbrella of Uruguay Innova led by the Presidency. It aims to create a comprehensive pathway allowing more Uruguayan MSMEs and startups access to global opportunities through coordinated public sector collaboration.
