OIM Opens SME Fund Offering Up to $40,000 in Ecuador
The OIM Enterprise Development Fund opened a call for Ecuadorian SMEs that can provide $20,000 to $40,000 in non-reimbursable financing for selected companies.
Applications are open until June 21, 2026.
Eligibility Footprint
The call is aimed at SMEs in six cities:
| City | Included |
|---|---|
| Quito | Yes |
| Guayaquil | Yes |
| Cuenca | Yes |
| Manta | Yes |
| Ambato | Yes |
| Ibarra | Yes |
Eligible companies must have at least four years of operation, an active RUC, and be current on tax and employer obligations. They must also meet parameters for annual sales and number of workers.
Financing Use
Selected companies may use the funds for:
- Expansion plans
- Innovation projects
- Productive strengthening
- Employment generation
The application process has five stages and may take up to six months. Expansion-plan implementation may extend up to one year. Selected companies are expected to be announced near the end of 2026, although timelines are referential.
Business Implication
The fund is small relative to Ecuador's broader SME-financing gap, but the non-reimbursable structure is relevant for companies that qualify. It can reduce capital pressure for expansion projects that might otherwise depend on high-cost credit or owner equity.
What to watch
- Sector mix among selected SMEs.
- Whether awards concentrate in Quito and Guayaquil or spread across the six eligible cities.
- Whether funded companies report measurable job creation.
- Whether the OIM repeats or expands the fund in 2027.
Source
Primicias — “Proyecto de la OIM abre convocatoria para entregar hasta USD 40.000 a pymes en Ecuador, conozca cómo aplicar”
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