OAS MSME Newsletter: ( September 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.
Introduction To Strategic Business Planning Workshop
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) is pleased to announce an upcoming training course designed to help entrepreneurs and business Leaders strengthen their ability to plan and grow strategically. This two-day workshop will introduce participants to the core principles of strategic business planning and provide practical tools to set goals, allocate resources, and align operations for long-term success.
COMMERCE REGISTRY CONSOLIDATES AGILE AND 100% VIRTUAL PROCESSES
The Plurinational Service of Commerce Registry (SEPREC), an entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, highlights the speed in the attention of business procedures thanks to the implementation of 100% virtual processes that simplify formalization in the country.
Digitalization of government advances with the SEPREC mobile application
The Plurinational Trade Registry Service (SEPREC) promotes the digital transformation of the government through its official mobile application; a platform that allows entrepreneurs, businessmen and citizens in general to access the main services linked to the trade registry in an agile and simple way, from any mobile device.
With more than 1,000 downloads to date, the SEPREC app is consolidated as an efficient and transparent tool, which reflects the growing appropriation of digital technologies in the field of public services and the institutional commitment to modernization.
Business growth of 10.7% reflects the strength of Bolivia’s economic model
The Plurinational Trade Registration Service (SEPREC), an entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economy, strengthens its business base with a growth of 10.7% between April 2022 and August 2025. In this period, the number of economic units registered at the national level went from 356,437 to 394,658, which shows a sustained strengthening of the Bolivian business ecosystem.
Sebrae game develops entrepreneurial skills in young people across the country
The project already has more than 4.2 thousand participants in the initiative, which offers knowledge trails and helps develop leadership, innovation and problem solving.
More than 4.2 thousand young people from different parts of the country are already part of Escalada, a Sebrae initiative launched in June this year. The initiative is a gamification model where students have access to quick consumption trails about the universe of entrepreneurial education. Innovation, leadership and solutions to problems in the community itself are some of the skills developed in the project.
New project aims to accelerate the formalization of small-scale agribusinesses
Initiative “SIMples asSIM! – From small to Brazil”, a partnership between Sebrae and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, launched on September 24th, in Rio dos Cedros (SC).
Sebrae launched, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), the project “SIMples asSIM! – From small to Brazil”, which aims to accelerate the formalization of small agribusinesses and strengthen the Municipal Inspection Services (SIM). The partners want, with the project, to expand the integration of establishments to SISBI-POA and ensure greater competitiveness and access to markets.
MSEs are key to record job creation in Brazil
The generation of employment and income for the Brazilian population reached another record: the unemployment rate fell to 5.6% in the quarter ended in July this year and registers the lowest index of the indicator since 2012. Data from the Continuous National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), released recently by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), reflect the large participation of micro and small companies in this result.
According to a survey by Sebrae based on data from the General Register of Employed and Unemployed (Caged), 853.8 thousand hires have already been made by the sector from January to July.
PacifiCan invests over $6.8 million to grow innovative businesses in Coquitlam, B.C.
Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs and small businesses are tackling today’s challenges with new ideas and seizing opportunities that will grow their economy. The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $6.8 million for two Coquitlam-based businesses that are developing technologies to reduce waste and advance sustainability in the energy and textile sectors.
Business Opportunity Networks MSME Week and Cooperatives Mining Focus
The Business Opportunity Networks project MSME and Cooperatives Week will be developed within the framework of the commemoration of the MSME and Cooperatives Week, scheduled for the week of October 20, as an initiative aimed at supporting a meeting for the generation of collaborative work networks between microentrepreneurs in the Antofagasta Region and delivery of training in entrepreneurship methodologies, negotiation, acquisition of investors, knowledge and knowledge management, among others, always within the framework of the generation of a network to capture business opportunities.
SENATIC’s courses include topics such as digital marketing, data analytics, programming, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and agile project management, all with globally recognized certifications. Registration is open throughout the country. The training is 100% free and available through the Coursera platform, with an average duration of up to 40 hours per path of hard and soft digital skills.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism invites all businessmen, entrepreneurs and workers, as well as authorities of the country’s tourism sector, to participate in the SENATIC program, an initiative of the national government that, in alliance with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and global technology leaders such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, IBM, AWS, Cisco, among others, offer free training and certification in high-demand digital and technological skills.
The Government, through the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), as the governing body in terms of strengthening and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, formalized the National Strategy Seeds of Entrepreneurship, which seeks to articulate institutional efforts for the generation of employment, and training.
Seeds of Entrepreneurship is joined by the IMAS Impulsa Intervention Model, which is made official under three pillars of development: Completion of studies, technical training and training and Promotion of productive enterprises.
Under the We Let You Work, to date a total of 177 procedural obstacles have been eliminated.
From now on, virtual companies registered as micro or small enterprises with the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), will not be required to manage the Sanitary Operating Permit, which reduces times, costs and procedures, and recognizes the evolution of business models in an increasingly digital environment.
This measure benefits those enterprises that do not require physical offices, warehouses or other spaces for customer service, and that carry out their activities digitally.
The Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment (MPCEI), in coordination with BanEcuador, the Government of Loja and the National Institute of Popular and Solidarity Economy (IEPS), will develop this afternoon the delivery of credits and recognitions to entrepreneurs, within the framework of the 196th Loja Fair, an emblematic event that promotes the productive, commercial and cultural development of the country.
PYMES ECUADOR promotes economic inclusion with the fourth edition of Compra con Propósito
On September 4, in Quito, the event Pymes Ecuador, Compra con Propósito edition, was held, a space where the components of innovation, knowledge and commercial meeting markets will be developed that seeks to strengthen economic inclusion and the generation of opportunities for entrepreneurs in vulnerable situations.
More than 41 entrepreneurs will participate in the market component and 20 multisectoral purchasing companies will be present, generating a dynamic space with commercial meetings, a product showroom and training on business strengthening and digitalization.
The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the “Program for Strengthening Capacities and Competencies in Methodologies for Business Empowerment with a Gender Approach” has carried out a virtual transfer on the methodology of the “Women and Business” training aimed at staff of the School of Economics. Administration and Business of the Pontifical Bolivarian University, Bucaramanga section of Colombia.
CONAMYPE and FANTEL promoted the training of 90 MSEs in Logistics nationwide
The National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), together with the support of FANTEL, closed the Diploma in Logistics, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of MSEs at the national level in the main processes of the supply chain.
The program, developed virtually, had the successful participation of 92 entrepreneurs and businessmen from different productive sectors of the country, including commerce, crafts, technology, food and beverages, footwear, agribusiness, tourism and many more.
Registration of El Buen Fin 2025 begins to promote competitiveness and shared prosperity
The Ministry of Economy announced the start of registration for the XV edition of El Buen Fin, the most important commercial event in Mexico. In the first hours of operation of the official platform, 1,290 registrations were reached, which reflects the confidence of the business sector in this strategy that promotes shared prosperity, strengthens the economy of Mexican families and promotes the use of the “Made in Mexico” brand as a badge of pride and national competitiveness.
AMPYME and Fundación Estudio TAC join efforts to strengthen local entrepreneurship in Panama
September 17th marked a milestone for the future of business in Panama thanks to the signing of a new strategic alliance between the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Authority (AMPYME) and the Estudio TAC Foundation. This public-private partnership arose in response to the need to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Panama, fostering product inclusion, economic growth, and the sustainable development of local businesses.
The synergy between existing organizations is realized through the Estudio TAC Foundation’s incubation program with Bridge for Billions.
Paraguay and Peru exchange experiences in tools to support MSMEs
Within the framework of Paraguay’s participation in the Expo Alimentaria Perú 2025, the Deputy Minister of MSMEs held a meeting with the Deputy Minister of MSMEs and Industry of Peru, where they discussed the strengthening of microenterprises and the necessary joint work between both countries for the benefit of this ecosystem. During the meeting, PRODUCE shared experiences on formalization, innovation and access to technology through different programs such as Tu Empresa, Pro Innovate and the CITE Network of ITP Production.
For its part, the Vice Ministry of MSMEs of Paraguay showed interest in Peruvian good practices, such as the development of factoring, and in moving towards an instrument of international cooperation that enhances bilateral trade.
PRODUCE promotes the creation of virtual stores for MSEs
With the aim of reducing digital divides and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses, more than 100 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) from the Lima region participated in a new edition of the Digital Training Session (SED MYPE), organized by the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), through the National Program Tu Empresa.
On this occasion, the day focused on the creation of virtual stores adapted to the needs of each entrepreneur, providing practical tools so that MSEs can implement their own digital sales channel. Participants learned from the choice of platform to the configuration of products, payment methods and shipping rules, ensuring an efficient and ready to grow operation.
PRODUCE: Negotiable invoices boost business financing and reach S/ 33,010 million by August 2025
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) reported that, as of August 2025, negotiable invoices reached a negotiated amount of S/ 33,010 million, representing a growth of 23.6% compared to the same period in 2024.
During the first eight months of 2025, a total of 1,322,458 negotiable invoices were accumulated, which represents a growth of 19.2% compared to the same period of the previous year, consolidating itself as a key tool for access to financing, especially for micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
PRODUCE: Ventanilla joins the “Emoliente Bandera” strategy
The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), in close coordination with local governments and in this edition with the Municipality of Ventanilla, developed a new day of the “Emoliente Bandera” strategy, aimed at improving the quality, safety and sustainability of this traditional service that is part of the country’s cultural identity.
In an official activity, 83 members of emollient associations of Ventanilla satisfactorily completed training processes in business management, innovation, marketing and good food handling practices. As a result, 22 of them received the “Emoliente Bandera” distinction, after a comprehensive evaluation in aspects of customer service, product innovation and compliance with hygiene and health standards.
Operationalization of SME Forex Window by the Export Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago
The Ministry of Finance wishes to advise of the launch of the SME Forex Window as a pilot project through the Export Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago which will expand the existing forex programmes that are in place by this Government and is specifically targeted to supporting small and medium business growth and economic activity. Currently, this new forex window will be available to clients of Republic Bank Limited (RBL) and First Citizens Bank Limited (FCB) and can be accessed by small and medium businesses across all business sectors including retail and services. Eligible businesses could access up to US$50,000.00 per month to pay international business expenses which is expected to improve forex access for many companies in the very near term.
The DINATEL of the MIEM and the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (Inefop) opened applications for a new edition of the introductory course on electronic commerce and digital economy. It is aimed at micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that are taking the first steps in the commercial digitalization of their business. The application period is until September 30. It will begin on October 6.
MIEM will grant funds of up to $ 450,000 to women who lead MSMEs in the productive sector
MIEM opened the call for Women Who Transform 2025, aimed at women leaders of companies who wish to present projects that promote innovation, competitiveness and improvements in their MSMEs. The winners will receive non-reimbursable funds of up to $450,000 per project for funding. In total, the portfolio will allocate $ 3,500,000.
The objective of the Women Who Transform 2025 call is to contribute to the strengthening of women’s economic autonomy, as well as to support the competitiveness and visibility of their companies. This policy is developed by the Social Development and Gender Unit (UDSG) of the MIEM with the task of complying with policies and plans aimed at promoting gender equality in the country.
More than 200 representatives of companies participated in the Second Business Meeting of Flores
The activity, organized by the Commercial and Industrial Center of Flores, the SME Center and the Municipality of Flores, had the support of the MIEM, among other institutions. The meeting offered eight conferences on management, innovation and digital marketing. The closing was about artificial intelligence.
With a room full of more than 200 attendees, the Second Business Meeting of Flores was held, an event organized by the Commercial and Industrial Center of Flores (CCIF), the SME Center and the Municipality of Flores. It had the support of the MIEM and other companies and institutions in the area.
Throughout the day, eight conferences covered topics relevant to the sector: from the inner workings of companies and digital marketing strategies to applied innovation and the challenges of agriculture.
