OAS MSME Newsletter: (March 2026):
This OAS MSME Newsletter is published by the Department of Economic Development of the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI). It is dedicated to measures recently announced by OAS Member States to drive the economic recovery of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The policy responses vary from country to country and are specific to the economic circumstances of each Member State. Given that every day produces new developments, this inventory is in no way exhaustive.
The National Government launched the fourteenth edition of the Argentine Good Design Seal (SBD), an official distinction that recognizes national products that stand out for their innovation, design quality and contribution to the country’s competitiveness. Companies and designers from all provinces will be able to apply until March 31, through a registration process that this year was simplified to facilitate participation and expand the scope of the program.
Small businesses should prepare for tax reform
Small businesses will need to prepare to avoid being caught off guard. Entrepreneurs must decide which *Simples* model they will adopt, according to the schedule of the tax reform. To this end, it is important to carry out tax planning that is aligned with the reality of the business and pay special attention to the issuance of tax documents. Tax planning involves analyzing the company’s purchase and sale operations and applying legal strategies to select the most advantageous options, thus avoiding the payment of unnecessary taxes.
The initiative offers courses, consulting services, and guidance for entrepreneurs and other sectors of civil society, with the expectation of impacting more than 60,000 people.
Brazil sets record for active small business registrations
Brazil set a record in the number of active CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities) during the last quarter of 2025. According to Sebrae’s “Small Business Economic Outlook” — based on data from the Federal Revenue Service — nearly 24 million small businesses were operational during the last quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 9.7% compared to the same period in 2024, when a total of 21.8 million were registered.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Sebrae Delas program, was created to positively impact women’s career paths and businesses by offering strategic insights to those seeking to achieve growth with greater confidence, planning, and results.
Sebrae takes Brazilian startups to South Korea on a mission to NextRise 2026
NextRise is considered the largest startup fair in South Korea and one of the leading events of its kind in Asia. The event annually brings together more than 20,000 participants – including entrepreneurs, accelerators, Korean conglomerates, multinational corporations and venture capital funds – in search of emerging technologies and investment opportunities.
The “Export Day” program has broadened both the income and horizons of small businesses. In just one year, this alliance between Sebrae and ApexBrasil – designed to connect Brazilian entrepreneurs with international buyers – has already facilitated R$ 92 million in agreements closed through 12 international business rounds held in Brazil and eight international trade missions. The participating companies expect this figure to reach R$ 546 million in the next 12 months.
Sebrae signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) with the Federal Accounting Council (CFC) and the National Federation of Accounting Services Companies and Consulting, Expertise, Information and Research Firms (Fenacon). The aim is to promote the development and dissemination of sustainability (ESG) and digital transformation solutions and knowledge for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and accounting professionals.
Women entrepreneurs access R$ 734 million in credit with the support of Fampe Mulher
With the support of guarantees from Sebrae’s Guarantee Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (Fampe) – specifically dedicated to businesses led by women – women entrepreneurs accessed R$ 734 million in credit in 2025. Of the total amount granted, 84% was allocated to micro and small enterprises (MPEs), corresponding to 65% to small enterprises (EPPs) and 19% to microenterprises (MEs). In the case of individual micro-entrepreneurs (MEI), the figure stands at 16%.
Micro and small companies are a lever in the result of the lowest unemployment rate in the country
An IBGE survey confirms a survey carried out by Sebrae that points out that MSEs were responsible for 80.5% of the balance of hires last year.
The Government of Canada invests in training for Indigenous and northern women entrepreneurs
The Government of Canada is investing nearly $1.8 million across the territories for digital training and development programs, with a focus on Indigenous women. Supporting more Indigenous and northern women in joining the digital economy requires lowering the barriers that increase the cost of training. The Pinnguaq Association, now operating as Ampere, is addressing this by delivering free digital skills training and equipping women with the tools they need to succeed as entrepreneurs.
Government of Canada announces federal funding to boost Indigenous tourism
Across Canada, Indigenous communities are offering domestic and international visitors authentic and meaningful tourism experiences. These experiences also provide unique opportunities to learn about traditional Indigenous knowledge and the histories and cultural practices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Indigenous tourism not only deepens understanding and connection but also drives economic growth, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and advancing economic reconciliation and self-determination.
Government of Canada investment supports new entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan
Small businesses are the backbone of the Prairie economy and starting a business from scratch can be challenging. New entrepreneurs often face hurdles like understanding their market, developing a solid business plan, securing financing, obtaining the right license, and risks that could stop their business before it even starts. The Government of Canada announced funding of $910,000 through PrairiesCan for the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority Inc. (SREDA) to support entrepreneurs and startups under SK Startup Institute.
Government and private sector promote female leadership in the Dominican industry
As part of the commitment to enhance the capacities and professional projection of women in local manufacturing, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), in alliance with the School of Industrial Organization (EOI) and the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), closed the “Third Edition of the Executive Program in Women’s Leadership”. with the delivery of certificates to 120 women leaders from various industries in the country.
During the event, it was highlighted that 40% are Industrial MSMEs that already have this distinction of national pride. In an act that reaffirmed the State’s commitment to the competitiveness and identity of the productive apparatus, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) commemorated the third anniversary of the “Made in the Dominican Republic” seal of guarantee. The event, held on Wednesday, February 25, underlined how this initiative has gone from being an institutional project to becoming a robust State policy that enhances the visibility of products manufactured through industrial transformation processes in the national territory.
“Violet Path”: Daniel Noboa’s Government Opens Formalization Registry for Women Entrepreneurs
The Government, through the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment, officially presented “Camino Violeta, the first step to formalization”, an initiative that includes the creation of the Registry of Non-Formalized Women Entrepreneurs (MENF), an instrument that recognizes and makes visible the effort of thousands of Ecuadorian women who sustain the economy from their homes, neighborhoods and communities.
Quality and Productivity Forum for MSEs
The Forum is a space aimed at strengthening the knowledge of entrepreneurs from San Salvador, La Libertad, San Vicente and Cuscatlán, bringing them practical tools to optimize the management of their businesses.
This initiative is promoted by the Government of El Salvador, in partnership with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and has an investment of 7.5 million euros for an execution period of five years. The project aims to generate 2,700 success stories, prioritizing young people between 18 and 35 years old with basic digital skills, especially those who are in contexts of greater vulnerability, including returnees, people with disabilities or in social reintegration processes.
‘AccelerateHer’ returns to boost female entrepreneurship
Female entrepreneurship in Guyana is set to receive renewed support as the Centre for Local Business Development launches its flagship AccelerateHer Programme for 2026. AccelerateHer 2026 is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana, with support from the Greater Guyana Initiative. The four-month initiative targets women across all sectors, offering business acceleration workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and curated weekly courses to help business owners grow and scale their ventures.
120 women receive starter packs to boost their businesses
One hundred and twenty women from across Guyana received business starter packs to launch and strengthen their entrepreneurial ventures during the closing of the We Lift 6 Conference and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal on Sunday. Two women were selected from each region. They underwent training in social media marketing, graphics design, garment construction, child care, and care for the elderly. These courses were completed under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute.
WIIN app relaunched, providing digital marketplace for women entrepreneurs
The Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) app was relaunched on Sunday with a new digital marketplace that allows women entrepreneurs to advertise their products, receive orders, and connect with delivery services, giving them a seamless platform to sell locally and internationally.
Growth & Jobs | JBDC launches ‘Biz Wiz’ online platform to boost entrepreneurship
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), officially launched its online learning platform, designed to transform businesses through entrepreneurship education.
OAS and EU Reaffirm Support for Jamaica’s MSMEs
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Jamaica’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through their partnership with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in developing an online learning platform. The platform, branded ‘Biz Wiz’, was officially launched on March 5 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
This program is a model based on the demand of large companies in the automotive sector and is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy (SE) and has the support of the development bank of the Government of Mexico, NAFIN-BANCOMEXT.
Hot Sale 2026 launched with free access for MSMEs
In this new edition, Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) will be able to be part of this commerce platform completely free of charge. This is an important boost to expand the percentage of participation of entrepreneurs, to show their products through this digital showcase and reach more consumers nationwide.
Access to financing for tourist inns promoted through FONAMIPYMES
Directors of the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, held a working meeting with representatives of the Network of Tourist Inns of Paraguay (Redtupy), with the aim of analyzing mechanisms that facilitate the sector’s access to financing instruments through the National Fund for MSMEs (FONAMIPYMES).
Roadmap presented to promote industrialization and strengthen MSMEs
During a meeting with the Chamber of Sponsors of Paraguay (CAP), the Minister of Industry and Commerce, together with the Deputy Minister of Industry, highlighted strategic projects to attract investments and boost local productivity.
MIC and ADEX Peru strengthen cooperation to promote the internationalization of MSMEs
The Vice Ministry of MSMEs of the MIC and the Association of Exporters of Peru (ADEX), signed a framework agreement for inter-institutional cooperation, which seeks to strengthen the competitiveness and international projection of Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries, in addition to establishing a permanent channel of bilateral cooperation.
Within the framework of actions aimed at promoting high value-added industrial branches, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced the start of an international specialization mission in South Korea, in which a first group of 25 Peruvian technicians belonging to 12 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) linked to the metalworking and naval industry will participate. The mission is part of the Inclusive Business Solution (IBS) International Training Program, developed in partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and will allow Peruvian technicians to receive specialized training directly in facilities of the Korean naval industry, with the aim of transferring knowledge and strengthening the technical capabilities of the sector in the country. The initiative projects the specialization of 180 technicians and 30 managers under international standards to integrate the global supply chain.
With the participation of more than 30 representatives of micro and small enterprise unions (MSEs) in the textile-clothing and leather-footwear sectors of Lima and various regions of the country, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) began a participatory process aimed at strengthening the National Program of Purchases from MSEs (PCMP), with the aim of collecting contributions, experiences and proposals of the business sector itself to improve its operation. This initiative is part of the actions promoted by the Ministry of Production, which has been leading a process of institutional strengthening of the program, aimed at consolidating public procurement as a strategic tool for the productive development of micro and small enterprises in the country.
Women lead more than 3500 innovation projects in Peru
Through its contests, the ProInnóvate program seeks to strengthen the participation of women in the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. In Peru, innovation has a woman’s face. More than 3500 projects co-financed and technically accompanied by ProInnóvate of the Ministry of Production, are led by women who transform strategic productive sectors, dynamize entrepreneurial ecosystems and generate economic and social impact in their territories.
Peru Produce Fair boosts growth of 60 MSEs on International Women’s Day
The event was attended by the Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations, who highlighted this PRODUCE initiative that promotes marketing spaces for women. The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through the National Program Tu Empresa, continues to promote the growth of MSEs at the Peru Produce Fair, a commercial space that brings together 60 micro and small businesses led by women from more than seven regions of the country, who exhibit innovative and high-quality products, strengthening their access to new markets.
The theme of the business meeting allowed the businesswomen to acquire tools to increase their efficiency and open new opportunities for innovation. With the aim of enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of women business leaders, the Ministry of Production, through the National Program Tu Empresa, developed a business meeting that had as its main theme artificial intelligence for the businesses of women in the region, with the aim of strengthening their digital capabilities, promoting innovation in their companies and generating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
International Women’s Day: MSE Fair with the participation of 60 entrepreneurs is held in Magdalena
Within the framework of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through the National Program Tu Empresa, and the Municipality of Magdalena del Mar held, from March 5 to 8, the commercial event “Peru Produce”. With the participation of 60 micro and small businesses led by women, from regions such as Arequipa, Cajamarca, Pasco, Junín, Ucayali, Ica and Lima, among others, the entrepreneurs exhibited the best of their production with the aim of increasing their sales and positioning their brands in new markets.
With the realization of more than 30 talks, workshops and trainings aimed at various productive sectors of the country, during the month of March, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through the Technological Institute of Production (ITP), seeks to reach more entrepreneurs and MSMEs that require technical assistance to grow their businesses.
PRODUCE trained more than 100 MSEs in digital marketing and thus increase their online sales
With the participation of more than 100 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) interested in promoting their digital transformation, the Ministry of Production, through the National Program Tu Empresa, developed in Lima the second edition of the Digital Training Session (SED MYPE). During the day, the entrepreneurs strengthened their skills through practical and applied experience for the development of a digital marketing plan, based on training that provides a comprehensive and strategic vision.
PRODUCE’s First Round Capital closes with an expectation of financing of S/2.8 million for MSEs
The Ministry of Production officially presented the First Capital Round for MSEs in the manufacturing sector, a new mechanism aimed at expanding access to formal financing for micro and small enterprises. This initiative incorporates the direct link between supply and demand of financial resources as a strategic axis to strengthen the productivity, competitiveness, sustainability and growth of micro and small enterprises. In this first edition, 40 MSEs from the manufacturing sector participated, previously identified and evaluated by the Directorate of Financial Instruments, in coordination with the different programs of the Sector. The companies held meetings with supervised and registered financial institutions, including municipal savings banks, banks and business financing platforms, under a format that included presentations before a financial panel and individual appointments for preliminary evaluation and possible credit prequalification.
New Youth Bureau to Prepare Young People for Emerging Business Opportunities
Youth seeking to establish new businesses to meet the growing demand for expanding services in Saint Kitts and Nevis will soon have access to a new unit in government that will provide assistance.
34 Men Receive Funding Through the SBDC Men in Business Initiative
Thirty-four men received funding through the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Men in Business initiative, with a total of $ 314,457.25 awarded during the grant announcement held at the SBDC Offices on Friday, March 13, 2026. The initiative is designed to fuel the growth of men-owned businesses across the country.
SBDC and its Partners Launch Initiative Designed to Support and Strengthen Micro Entrepreneurs
The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and its partners formally launched in INpower Project Initiative, designed to support and strengthen micro entrepreneurs.
TT Chamber and SMEs sign the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter
Following the launch of the national Buy Local, Build Trinbago Campaign in January by the Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce reaffirmed its support for the initiative. The Chamber President signed the Buy Local, Build Trinbago Charter at the Catalyst SME Conference 2026 hosted by the Chamber on 11th March, 2026 at its headquarters in Westmoorings. Eight (8) SMEs also signed the Charter at the event, thus demonstrating their commitment to the Programme’s objectives and broader national development plans.
WIPO publishes “Practical Guides for SME Intermediaries” adapted to the Uruguayan context
Within the framework of the project to build and strengthen capacities in intellectual property for the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and its member countries, the publications of the practical guides for intermediaries of SMEs adapted to the Uruguayan context are now available on the website of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
