In March 2025, we launched a unique edition of our “Impulso Inicial” program, titled “Empowering Experience,” aimed exclusively at people over the age of 60 from all regions of Chile.
This initiative allowed us to support more than 400 senior entrepreneurs by providing tools, semi-industrial machinery, and hands-on training in areas such as business management, formalization, marketing, and digitalization. But beyond that, it gave us the opportunity to better understand the reality of senior entrepreneurship in Chile, as over 2,000 people applied to the program.
What drives them? What challenges do they face? What is their potential?
Based on the data collected during the application process, we created an X-ray of Senior Entrepreneurship in Chile, offering a concrete look into this segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Some key findings:
- 78% of applicants were women, many of whom lead businesses in food, artisanal production, local commerce, and textiles.
- 83% are between 60 and 70 years old and continue to run their businesses after retirement or leaving the formal workforce. Most of these ventures are small-scale and operate from home or at local fairs.
- 82% belong to the most vulnerable 40% of the population, showing that entrepreneurship often serves as a means of economic independence and survival.
- 72% had not formally registered their businesses with the Internal Revenue Service (SII), reflecting low formalization and limited access to support networks, funding, or training.
- When asked about their motivations: 34% said they started a business to meet basic needs, 26% sought independence and to be their own boss, and 11% identified a market opportunity.
Untapped potential to be strengthened
Cristián Schalper, Director of the Entrepreneurship area at Fundación Luksic, stated:
“Although there are significant challenges—such as the need to promote formalization, improve access to training, and create support networks for this group—there is also great potential for growth if we continue to support initiatives that recognize and value the experience, talent, and perseverance of older entrepreneurs.”
At Fundación Luksic, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship at all stages of life. We believe that experience also undertakes, and that behind every senior-led business there is a story of effort, creativity, and resilience.
Download the full X-ray of Senior Entrepreneurship in Chile to learn more.
