The concept of the silver economy has gained traction in recent years — and not by chance. This term encompasses the economic activities and business opportunities that emerge as the population ages. According to UN data, by 2050, the global population aged 60 and over will reach 2 billion people. In Chile, an estimated 30% of the population will be over 60.
This demographic shift brings multiple challenges for the country, making it essential to create opportunities that promote active participation of older adults in the economy. Within this context, entrepreneurship has become an increasingly relevant alternative for senior citizens.
Starting a business after 60 can be driven by various reasons: the need to generate income due to low pensions, the desire to complement other work, greater flexibility, personal reinvention, a lifelong calling, or even legacy — creating something meaningful for one’s family. With this in mind, Fundación Luksic has launched “Boosting Experience”, a new call under its Impulso Inicial program, to support entrepreneurs aged 60 and above.
Cristián Schalper, Director of Entrepreneurship at Fundación Luksic, emphasized the importance of supporting this group:
“We are witnessing a demographic shift that is key for our economy. Chile is aging, and both the public and private sectors must actively promote the inclusion of older adults. They bring an invaluable asset that is often underestimated: experience. We must elevate their talents, create the right incentives, and support their development to boost their well-being — and, in turn, enrich the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Machinery and training support
Through Boosting Experience, the program aims to support up to 400 entrepreneurs aged 60 and over who meet the following criteria:
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Their business has been operating for at least six months prior to application;
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They have demonstrable sales of at least CLP $100,000 per month;
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They comply with current Chilean regulations;
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They are registered in the Social Household Registry (Registro Social de Hogares).
To date, Fundación Luksic has supported over 15,000 entrepreneurs from all regions of Chile. The goal of the Impulso Inicial program is to enhance the productive capacities and increase the sales of early-stage entrepreneurs through the provision of machinery and training in management and business operations.
Applications will be open from Monday, March 3 to Monday, March 17, via an online form available at www.fundacionluksic.cl. Informative content and updates will also be published on the Foundation’s social media (@fundacionluksic), and any questions can be directed to the official program email: [email protected].
