The Dominican Republic has increased its financial support for small businesses by distributing RD$160 million in new loans to 422 microentrepreneurs in Ensanche Capotillo, a neighborhood in the National District of Santo Domingo. The latest disbursement brings the total amount of credit provided through the government’s lending programs to more than RD$927 million in 2026.
The initiative was led by Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón, Minister of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), alongside Fabricio Gómez Mazara, director general of Promipyme, the government agency responsible for financing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Expanding Access to Credit
Sanz Lovatón said the financing program is designed to reduce the barriers many entrepreneurs still face when seeking access to formal credit. He noted that the government’s continued lending reflects its confidence in small business owners who contribute to job creation and economic activity across the country.
According to the minister, expanding financing opportunities allows entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses, strengthen operations and support local economic growth.
Majority of Loans Awarded to Women
Gómez Mazara highlighted that 54% of the loans granted during this latest round were awarded to women, underscoring their growing role in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
He said the distribution aligns with the government’s broader objective of increasing women’s participation in the productive economy, arguing that greater access to financing contributes to long-term economic growth while improving living standards for families supported by women-led businesses.
The Promipyme director added that since taking office, the institution has disbursed approximately RD$19.8 billion in financing, with 51% of those funds benefiting businesses led by women.
The latest lending program continues the Dominican government’s efforts to expand financing for micro and small enterprises, a sector widely recognized as a significant source of employment and local economic activity throughout the country.