OAS MSME Newsletter: ( February 2025):
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.
Within the framework of the commemoration of Oruro’s anniversary, the Plurinational Trade Registration Service (Seprec), dependent on the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, highlighted that the business base of Oruro has shown solid growth during 2024, consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic departments in the country.
Government works in favor of micro and small businesses
The Vice Minister of Microenterprise, Small Business and Crafts, stated this Wednesday that the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, on which her office depends, continues working in favor of sectors such as micro and small businesses.
Government authorities explained that one of the main measures for economic reactivation was the creation of the “Consume lo Nuestro” application. A measure that, to date, has mobilized more than Bs450 million nationwide, carrying out more than 4 million transactions and benefiting more than 1,133 companies in the food, leather, crafts and other sectors.
Almost half of small businesses invest in paid advertising on the internet
Conclusion comes from research by Sebrae, which points out that Instagram has been displacing Facebook as the preferred network to boost sales of small businesses.
Strengthening the defense industry brings opportunities for small businesses
The federal government launched the goals of Mission 6 of the Nova Indústria Brasil program. With public and private investments of R$112.9 billion, the initiative seeks to reinforce technology in areas such as radars, satellites and rockets. This is also good news for small Brazilian businesses in the technology area.
Small food businesses digitize to better serve customers
Research by Sebrae, in partnership with ABDI, shows that the segment is one of the most digitally mature among ME and EPP.
Small business owners can expand their knowledge about management and digital marketing
Research reveals that one in four business owners between 30 and 40 years old has difficulty controlling costs and cutting expenses.
Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs play a vital role in Canada’s economy, yet they continue to face systemic barriers when it comes to starting and growing their businesses. The federal government is taking action to address these challenges through Canada’s first-ever Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP).
Sercotec and General Treasury of Chile sign annex to their Cooperation Agreement
With the objective of better tax education for micro, small businesses and cooperatives, and the implementation of joint campaigns, an annex to a collaboration agreement was signed between the General Treasurer of the Republic, and the General Manager of Sercotec.
Through the signing of Addendum 2025, within the framework of the agreement between the Government and Confecámaras, bets on the Reindustrialization Policy are prioritized. For this 2025 Addendum, 15 strategic lines of action were agreed upon, of which 11 are related to the Industrialization Policy, and which seek to promote competitiveness, productivity, innovation and the formalization of the national productive apparatus.
Beneficiaries will receive technical assistance and incentives to reduce operating costs, optimize energy and water consumption, and efficiently manage waste management, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
MEIC eliminates 13 more bottlenecks for companies and citizens
As part of the Let Us Work initiative, the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) announces the elimination of 10 bottlenecks for companies and 3 for citizens, reaching a cumulative total of 168 obstacles eliminated. It is important to indicate that the obstacles that affect companies were pointed out by business organizations and chambers from different sectors; while those that impact citizens were determined from data from the services with the most complaints in various instances.
Mincetur: Pacific Alliance admits Costa Rica as a candidate for accession to the bloc
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) reported that, after Peru’s successful participation in the Council of Ministers of the Pacific Alliance, the acceptance of Costa Rica’s request to be considered as a candidate for accession to the bloc was announced.
The meeting aimed to continue promoting commerce throughout the national territory, and it was highlighted that the Chambers of Commerce are a magnificent bridge that unites the private sector with the State, in addition to being the engine that drives the competitiveness and economic development of the provinces.
With the purpose of enabling the country’s industries and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to continue their development and growth, the Ministry of Industry, Business and MSMEs (MICM), through its online platforms, offers a wide range of services available to the country’s entrepreneurs and businessmen.
Of the total microentrepreneurs benefited, 53 percent are women and the remaining 47.83% are men, reflecting the institution’s commitment to financial inclusion and the promotion of local productive development.
National Government and Academia join forces to promote business innovation
The Ministry of Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries and the Indo-America Technological University signed an inter-institutional cooperation agreement at the university’s recently inaugurated Technological Campus in Ambato. This strategic alliance, made official by the Undersecretary of MSMEs and Crafts and the Rector of the Indoamérica University, seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem of Tungurahua. This joint effort aims to promote the development of young professionals, generate innovative solutions to the country’s economic and social challenges, in addition to consolidating competitive companies in the local market.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an entrepreneurship and seed capital delivery fair that brought together a group of 88 returnees and people at risk of migrating, benefiting from the SEMILLAS Project, financed by the government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Presentation of a diagnosis of the MSME Care Centers under Public-Private Partnerships
During the event, representatives from different countries participated to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the CAM/SBDC model (Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), with a focus on strengthening institutions that provide services to companies.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) model, known in the SICA region as MSME Care Centers (CAM), is a specialized scheme designed to provide comprehensive care to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It promotes strategic collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors, a topic prioritized since 2010 by the CENPROMYPE Board of Directors.
Community-centered growth: A new direction for Small Business Development
The Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, announced a strategic realignment of the traditional Small Business Grant disbursements at this time, towards a community development small business projects approach. This new direction, which augments the existing structure, focuses on investing in community-based projects that ensure long-term viability and sustainability, fostering greater economic resilience.
Prime Minister Announces SPEED Task Force to Enhance Economic Efficiency
The task force will be known as the SPEED Task Force (Streamlining Processes for Efficiency and Economic Development). The new task force will address bureaucratic bottlenecks, streamline approval processes, and ensure Jamaica becomes the most business-friendly and citizen-focused country in the region.
Moonshot aims to empower Paraguayan entrepreneurs and visionaries through a comprehensive approach that includes an ideathon, mentoring with national and international experts, and training sessions.
Vice ministers share lines of action to boost the local economy and attract investments
The vice ministers of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce participated in a keynote conversation with members of the Horizonte Positivo organization, where they spoke about topics such as the promotion of effective public policies through public-private alliances that promote local industry, commerce, attracting investments and the MSME ecosystem.
MSMEs contribute to the design of digital export guides in Paraguay
Two key sessions were held with Paraguayan MSMEs within the framework of the design and development of digital export guides, promoted by the Vice Ministry of MSMEs. More than 50 MSMEs and specialists participated in the sessions.
Minister of Production highlights the impact of factoring on MSEs
The Minister of Production participated in the Ceremony of Recognition and Contribution to the 2024 Negotiable Invoices Ecosystem, where he highlighted the importance of factoring as a key tool to improve access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MYPE) in the country.
PRODUCE will hold a Business Roundtable for regional MSEs at Expo Industria 2025
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced that, within the framework of the third edition of Expo Industria 2025, which will take place between June 11 and 13, it will hold a Business Roundtable for regional MSEs.
PRODUCEmpresarial Observatory exceeded 23,000 online visits in the last month
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) reported that, in the period from December 12, 2024 to January 15, 2025, the PRODUCEmpresarial Observatory (www.producempresarial.pe) reached 23,403 total visits.
OECS to launch call for proposals of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Window 2 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (MGP), which opened on February 12, 2025. The Programme, a key component of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Eastern Caribbean (UBEC) Project, is designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the blue economy sectors in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Invest SVG Unveils Major Investment Initiatives for 2025
Invest SVG has announced a series of strategic investment initiatives aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing the tourism sector, and engaging Vincentians in the diaspora.
