The Ministry of Economy, in partnership with Sercotec, has launched a support program for small and medium-sized businesses affected by the January wildfires in the Biobío region. The initiative targets companies in Penco and Tomé, offering subsidies ranging from 1 million to 10 million Chilean pesos to help restore business operations.
Business owners from Lirquén attended an informational meeting where they learned about the Emergency Program’s details. The financial aid will be allocated based on personalized investment plans that may include funding for productive infrastructure, workspace recovery, acquisition or repair of fixed assets, working capital, and promotional activities.
An operator responsible for managing the benefit was introduced during the session. This entity has begun contacting eligible businesses identified through the Emergency Business and Cooperative Form, which assessed damages caused by the fires.
Mauricio Torres Ferrada, regional director of Sercotec Biobío, said: “This subsidy has a cap of up to $10 million and allows beneficiaries to decide how to invest according to their needs, whether it is infrastructure, fixed assets or working capital. We are already contacting beneficiaries and this week we will begin field visits to sign work plans with the aim of restoring productive capacity and reactivating the local economy.”
Sergio Vivanco, coordinator of Productive Development at Penco Municipality, expressed appreciation on behalf of Mayor Rodrigo Vera: “the help and constant contribution we have received from both the Ministry of Economy and Sercotec—with concrete and supportive assistance—has come to support entrepreneurs here in Lirquén.”
The wildfires in January caused significant damage to facilities, equipment, and operations for many micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises in Biobío. The emergency program aims to speed up economic recovery so that affected businesses can resume activities as soon as possible while supporting the restoration of local productive networks.
