Business opportunities

Churchill-inspired popsicles, gelato, milkshakes, cakes and waffles are some of the products cashing in on the newfound popularity of the classic Costa Rican treat.

Burger King is back in Costa Rica just eight months after the former franchisee closed its operations due to accumulated debt and other financial woes.

Despite having an Internet coverage of some 88 percent of the country, only 12 percent of consumers in Costa Rica shop online, a study on e-commerce released by consultant company Kantar Worldpanel showed.

Local businesses can apply for environmental loans ranging from $1,500 to $150,000, which must be invested in environmentally friendly technologies to improve efficiency. That technology includes solar panels, electronic ballasts, high efficiency diffusers and reflectors, air compressors, fluorescent lamps, LED lights, electric engines, cooling systems, boilers, low-energy vehicles and others.

Some 300 Costa Rican companies will be offering their products at the fair to 200 buyers from 35 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The local call is open for Ticos and foreigners legally residing in Costa Rica as long as their proposals have a positive impact here.

Current plant production can supply the demands of the entire domestic market. Companies previously had to import the product.

Good news! You can now curl up in a Swiss chalet with a pot of fondue and a bottle of Costa Rica's most iconic lager.

Many people in Costa Rica's rural areas still use heavy, wood-burning stoves. But they're now becoming a luxury item for preparing meals on special occasions, as well as a collector's item for vintage decoration.

The Costa Rican foundation Fundecooperación para Desarrollo Sostenible this week reported they have ₡750 million ($1.3 million) available to finance small- and medium-sized businesses to help improve the quality of life or promote gender equality.