INCUBACOOP and Mapocho Co‑operative incubation and acceleration in the Southern Cone

Abstract

This chapter explores cooperative entrepreneurship incubation in the Southern Cone through the cases of Mapocho in Chile and INCUBACOOP in Uruguay. It situates these initiatives within the broader cooperative trajectories of both countries and highlights the role of incubation in advancing innovation, resilience, and social impact. The chapter first contextualizes the cooperative movements in Chile and Uruguay, outlining their institutional frameworks and current challenges. It then discusses how cooperativism intersects with social innovation, framing incubation as both a tool for business growth and a mechanism for strengthening democratic governance and community cohesion. The analysis details the methodologies and strategies of the two incubators, highlighting their adaptation of traditional incubation models to cooperative principles through phased support, mentoring, and sectoral prioritization. These cases illustrate how cooperative incubators, operating as “third generation” organizations, combine technical support with principles of participation, inter-cooperation, and collective management. The chapter concludes by identifying key lessons on ecosystem building, strategic foresight, and collaborative innovation to strengthen cooperative entrepreneurship in Latin America.