OAS MSME Newsletter: ( May 2024):
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.
Micro, small businesses and artisans receive training in Sacaba
PRO-BOLIVIA, a decentralized entity of the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, through the Center for Productive Technology and Innovation (CETIP) of the department of Cochabamba, trains micro and small businesses in the food, wood, textile and artisan sectors in the management of the SICOES platform, RUPE, electronic catalog made in Bolivia, contracting modalities, types of guarantee and others relevant issues.
Sebrae promotes free training week for individual micro-entrepreneurs (MEI)
Training will guide individual microentrepreneurs and encourage formalization. These are the central objectives of MEI Week, organized by Sebrae, between May 20th and 24th. With the theme “Enough together with Sebrae”, the event is free and democratic. In addition to in-person programs promoted by Sebrae units in the states, there are also online lectures and workshops, and broadcast live on the entity’s social networks.
Entrepreneurship is an alternative for women to reconcile motherhood and professional life
The majority of entrepreneurial mothers in Minas Gerais (67%) opened their own business after having children. And 62% of them had their first child before the age of 25, as shown in the 2nd edition of the “Parentality and Entrepreneurship” survey, carried out by Sebrae Minas. Among the main reasons given for starting a business are the need for income and the search for autonomy and flexible schedules to be present in their children’s routine.
Government publishes Ordinance with the rules for Developing Small Businesses
Government aims at bringing around 6.5 million individual microentrepreneurs (MEI), microenterprises (ME) and small businesses (EPP) out of the negative and help them grow again. This is the objective of Desenrola Pequenos Negócios, which had a decree from the Ministry of Finance published with the rules for banks and financial institutions to participate in the initiative. The action is part of the Believe Program, launched last week, which provides a series of measures to access credit for small entrepreneurs.
Sebrae launches the Conscious Credit platform
The objective of the Crédito Consciente platform, which is part of the federal government’s Believe program, is to increase the awareness and security of entrepreneurs when obtaining a loan. Believe is the strategy launched by the federal government that restructures access to credit. The Conscious Credit page will explain in a didactic way how to access the Sebrae guarantee fund, which contributed R$2 billion to serve at least 1 million entrepreneurs who need assisted credit.
Minister of International Development highlights budget investments for small businesses
The following measures, announced in Budget 2024 will support small businesses: The New Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses; the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption Increase from the current amount of $1,016,836 in capital gains tax-free on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property to $1.25 million, effective June 25, 2024; the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption will continue to be indexed to inflation thereafter; Investing in Canadian Start-ups with $200 million over two years; and boosting Government Procurement from Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses, by announcing the government’s intention to propose legislated procurement targets for small- and medium sized businesses and innovative firms.
Boosting MSMEs, increasing productivity and eliminating barriers, are some of the major achievements of the Reindustrialization Policy.
Nearly 15,000 Colombians, located in 621 municipalities throughout the country, have received technical assistance, training, co-financing and delivery of productive assets as part of the implementation of this policy.
2,355 companies in the 32 departments have increased their sales and customers, thanks to the sector’s training programs.
The coordination between more than 40 public and private sector entities has made it possible to resolve 70 obstacles affecting business development in the country’s productive sectors.
Training on Good Food Manufacturing Practices
Through the Regional Center of San Salvador, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, there was training on Good Manufacturing Practices to enable participating MSEs to obtain their food handling’s license.
Delivery of $425,417 in non-refundable funds to 26 SME
The Government of El Salvador through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) together with the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the El Salvador Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador (RREE) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) delivered non-refundable funds within the framework of the execution of the project “Development of Micro and Small Dynamic Enterprises for the Economic Reactivation of El Salvador.”
Graduation of the “Mujer Emprende” training program in San Salvador
Through the Regional Center of San Salvador, 25 businesswomen graduated from the “Mujer Emprende” training process developed in San Salvador. The participating businesswomen belong to the textile and clothing, food, natural cosmetics, crafts, agribusiness, services and commerce sectors.
Training on the economic integration policy for SMES
Through the Regional Center of Chalatenango together with the Ministry of Agriculture, CONAMYPE carried out a training on trademark registration and on the “Economic Integration Policy for SMES” aimed at entrepreneurs in the coffee sector.
Course on accounting, VAT and electronic invoicing for SMES in San Salvador.
Through the Regional Center of San Salvador in coordination with the Accounting Unit of the Alberto Masferrer University (USAM), the course on accounting, VAT and electronic invoicing for SMES in the department of San Salvador began. A total of 25 SMES will receive four training workshops.
Launching of the “Loyalty Program for SMES”.
The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) together with the Special Fund for Resources from the Privatization of ANTEL (FANTEL) and in coordination with strategic allies, launched the “Loyalty Program for SMES”. The program’s main objective is to promote the sustainable growth of SMES through specific benefits and rewards, promoting business culture, generating a positive impact in the sector and at the same time encouraging more entrepreneurs to seek, through different programs, the formalization of their businesses.
Graduation of the diploma on financial education.
The Government of El Salvador through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) together with the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the El Salvador Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador (RREE) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held the first graduation of the Financial Education diploma for SMES. A total of 248 entrepreneurs successfully completed this training diploma, with 24/7 availability on the CONAMYPE virtual classroom platform, allowing for ease of training.
Delivery of production funds to winners of the 2023 National Crafts Award
The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) together with the Special Fund for Resources from the Privatization of ANTEL (FANTEL) provided $10,000. 00 to winners of the National Crafts Prize 2023. The funds delivered are intended for production capital for the winners of the three categories and the three finalists of the edition of the National Crafts Prize 2023.
SMES led by women participate in fair
With the support of the Regional Center of La Libertad and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Window (VEF) located in Colón, SMES led by women participated in a marketing fair at the facilities of the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation (CORSATUR). There were six SMES from the natural cosmetics, food and beverages, textiles and crafts sectors who had the opportunity to bring their offer of products and services to the employees and users of said institution.
To achieve this objective and, in order to improve the quality of life, through an orderly, regular and safe migration, which allows people to return to their communities of origin, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission of Micro and Small Company and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), presented progress of the “Technical Assistance Pilot Program aimed at supporting Returned Entrepreneurs from the H-2 Visa Labor Mobility Program.”
The Salvadoran Institute for the Development of Women (ISDEMU), the National Commission for Micro and Small Business (CONAMYPE), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the European Union (EU), together with the Presidency of the Government of El Salvador and the El Salvador Agency for International Cooperation (ESCO), presented the project “Economic empowerment of women in the extreme poverty municipalities of El Salvador”, through which actions will be carried out to increase participation of women in the productive sector, under conditions of equality and equity. The project is financed by the European Union and the AECID, with an investment of 10,225,000.00 Euros.
Signature of letter of understanding with Canada to promote and market products made by SMES
The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), signed a letter of understanding for the operation of a Trading House based in the city of Markham, province of Ontario, Canada.
MINECO presented the 2024 action plan to the SME commission of the Congress of the Republic
The Vice Minister of MSME Development and her work team held a meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprise Commission of the Congress of the Republic. This meeting had the purpose of providing information on the action plans for 2024, as well as the planned projects for the benefit of the MSME sector and entrepreneurship.
MINECO holds first meeting of the National Council for the Development of MSMEs
On April 5, 2024, the initial session of the National Council for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises was held with the participation of the new authorities. Said National Council is the collegiate body under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy and coordinated through the Vice Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
FCJ Directed to Develop Turnkey Community Micro-Business Parks
The Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) has been directed to develop turnkey community micro-business parks islandwide as a means of creating more cost-effective operation spaces for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The Women in Entrepreneurship Support Project Closing Out Ceremony
was held on April 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Kingston. The WES Project was initiated by MIIC in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport through the Bureau of Gender Affairs, with the objective of addressing the obstacles encountered by women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
JBDC Honours Four Outstanding Entrepreneurs
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of four exceptional individuals at a prestigious ceremony held at the AC Marriott Hotel in St. Andrew, on Thursday, April 4.
JBDC CEO Urges Strategic Partnerships to Support MSMEs
Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has highlighted the need for the strengthening of partnerships to foster the growth and success of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Such collaboration involves government, corporations and MSME stakeholders.
Espacio promotes the circular economy with the presence of MSMEs
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises also make up the circular economy list in Espacio’s shelves. Microbusinesses will have the opportunity to display their organic products inside the supermarket, to reach the final consumer with healthy foods.
Creation of a registry of business consultants drives formalization and growth of MSMEs
With the aim of promoting the formalization of MSMEs, providing them with growth opportunities within the Paraguayan entrepreneur ecosystem, the Vice Ministry of MSMEs together with the Ministry of Labor, through Sinafocal, installed a technical table for the registration of business consultants in the sector.
MSME exports its products to the US for the first time through Exporta Fácil
Ñandeté, from the company Organika S.A., dedicated to the tea sector, carried out its first export of its products to the United States through the services of simplified actions for exports of the Exporta Fácil program, of the Vice Ministry of MSMEs of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) and DINACUP.
Strategic alliance to gather information and enhance the development of MSMEs
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), through the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, and the National Institute of Statistics (INE), signed a cooperation agreement with the objective of working together to collect data on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs, that serve as sources of information so that they can be used to formulate public policies that strengthen the development and competitiveness of this sector.
Produces extensive technological services in favor of SMES in Huánuco, Pasco, Junín, Cusco and Ucayali
It is estimated that this measure will benefit more than 500 productive units during 2024.
APEC 2024: micro and small companies stand out for their diversity and quality at the SMEE Show in Arequipa
The vice minister of SMES and Industry highlighted the fundamental role that MSEs play in promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the countries of the Asia Pacific region.
Mother’s Day: More than 1.14 million SMES are led by entrepreneurial mothers
Within the framework of the Mother’s Day celebrations, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) reported that at the end of 2023 in Peru there were 1,148,282 micro and small businesses (MSMES) led by entrepreneurial mothers.
The Ministry of Production (Produce) successfully held the first edition of its National Business Roundtable 2024, making more than S/ 2.1 million in sales commitments for the benefit of micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs). The objective of this event was to generate a commercial articulation space that allows generating greater business opportunities and establishing collaborative commercial relationships between large companies and Peruvian MSMEs.
APEC 2024: Produce presents the best of its productive offer at its MSME Hall in Arequipa
The Ministry of Production (Produce) opens the second edition of the MSME Show, within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) 2024 in Arequipa, a commercial platform specially designed to position and highlight talent, effort and innovation of micro and small businesses in Peru. This edition presents a wide range of 100% Peruvian and high-quality products, produced by 16 micro and small companies nationwide, from various sectors such as agribusiness, food and beverages, textile-clothing, crafts, leather and footwear, and eco-business.
Government extends guarantee of the MYPERÚ Impulso Program to encourage growth of MYPEs
Through Supreme Decree No. 073-2024-EF, and in order to support the process of economic recovery and growth of micro and small businesses and promote their financial inclusion, as well as promote the culture of timely payment, the Government expanded the guarantee to the Mype Business Impulse Program (Impulso MyPerú).
More than 40 micro and small companies (MIPYMES) dedicated to the transformation of wood won a recent public tender, being awarded contracts worth more than S/ 16 million. This important initiative has the main objective of providing new school furniture to more than 27 thousand primary students in the region.
PRODUCE: mypes doubled their sales during CyberWow 2024
A total of 50 micro and small businesses from Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ayacucho, San Martín, Lambayeque, and La Libertad, among other regions, reported sales of more than S/104,000 during the first edition of CyberWow 2024, the largest e-commerce event in the country.
The Government recognized 462 innovative enterprises and MSMEs from all regions of Peru that benefited from funds from the ProInnóvate program contests. ProInnóvate will transfer more than S/25.1 million to the beneficiaries of the latest calls for the StartUp Perú 10G (Tenth Generation) and Quality MSMES contests.
Through the Vice Ministry of MSMES and Industry, in-person and hybrid seminars and workshops will be held to promote circularity in the MSMES of this program.
PRODUCE promotes gender equality and the professional empowerment of women
Achieving gender equality is not possible without laws that end discrimination against women and promote equality in all areas of society, and it is in that sense that the National Quality Institute (Inacal), a public body to the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), organized “The ISO regional workshop to develop a gender action plan” that allowed strengthening the capacities of ISO members, representatives of countries in America and the Caribbean. The objective was to prepare, develop and implement a Gender Action Plan (GAP).
Entrepreneur’s Month: PRODUCE increases training for MSMES from various productive sectors
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), during Entrepreneur’s Month, will provide free training on tools and knowledge that promote the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMES, in virtual and in-person modes. From practical courses to specialized talks, the activities are designed to address the specific needs of each sector, providing participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to face the challenges of today’s market with the support of the Technological Institute of Production (ITP).
Prime Minister Starts Listening tour across The Bahamas for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The Prime Minister alongside Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Executive Director is starting a listening tour across The Bahamas for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MICM, Promipyme and EOI launch training program “Activate to undertake… You can do it!”
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), the Council for the Promotion and Support of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Promipyme) and the School of Industrial Organization of Spain (EOI) launched the training program “Activate to undertake… You can!”, through which they will grant a thousand scholarships to citizens over 18 years of age who wish to train to obtain a job and/or start a business.
MICM successfully carries out the second “Mipymes Route 2024” in the province of Dajabón
The Mipymes Route arrived in the province of Dajabón to offer services and training with the aim of strengthening the technical and productive capabilities of its entrepreneurs and microentrepreneurs. As part of La Ruta Mipymes, public and private companies came together to provide training, information, and contributions to the quality of products for the province of Dajabón for three days.
ICC Entrepreneurship Center launched to promote international trade of SMEs
The ICC Entrepreneurship Center was launched in the Dominican Republic, which aims to promote small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) internationally.
The VIII Italy-Latin America SME Forum ended; this event generated opportunities to strengthen this key sector
The forum, which brought together 200 delegates from 21 Latin American countries and Italy, came to a successful end. Entrepreneurs discussed technology and tools to increase their competitiveness and internationalization. In addition, alliances were celebrated between different organizations, while MSMEs had the opportunity to exchange experiences and open business opportunities.
