“In the entrepreneurial ecosystem, diversity is both a strength and a challenge. Each person brings a unique set of skills, experiences, motivations, and expectations. Some pursue rapid and scalable growth, while others focus on sustainability and stability. Some have a high tolerance for risk, while others prefer a more conservative approach. This diversity, while enriching, presents significant challenges for those of us who design and implement support programs for entrepreneurs.
One of the main challenges is the difficulty of designing interventions that are effective for all entrepreneurs. What works for one type of entrepreneur may not work for another. For instance, a training program focused on advanced technical skills may benefit a tech-savvy entrepreneur but could overwhelm one with less experience. Likewise, a funding program offering large amounts of capital may attract an entrepreneur with an ambitious growth plan, but could be unnecessary—or even detrimental—for someone needing slower, more gradual development.
To address this, one option is to design interventions specifically tailored to groups of entrepreneurs that are as ‘homogeneous as possible’. Evidence shows that by targeting efforts to a specific sector or industry, company size, or stage in the business life cycle, programs such as grants or subsidies tend to have a positive impact on business performance.
The diversity of entrepreneurs is an undeniable and valuable reality. It brings a wide range of ideas, approaches, and perspectives that can enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster economic development. Those of us who work to support entrepreneurs in Chile must adopt a flexible approach, one that draws from the growing body of evidence, to treat heterogeneity as an asset—and to create an environment where all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to grow. To achieve this, institutions must work together and share their experiences to meet different needs and fully leverage the richness of diversity for Chile’s development.”
Cristián Schalper
Director of Entrepreneurship
Fundación Luksic
