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MSME Newsletter - OAS WEE MSME Clearinghouse Exchange of Experiences – St. Kitts and Nevis

We are delighted to share experiences from our fourth country highlighted from the OAS Women Economic Empowerment project’s MSME Clearinghouse. We begin with our National Focal Point institutions then view some insightful resources from members of our National Working Group.

Small Business Development Center St. Kitts

The Small Business Development Center St. Kitts (SBDC St. Kitts), formerly the National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD), has made significant strides over its years of existence. SBDC St. Kitts is focused on serving the development and technical assistance needs of micro, small, and medium-size businesses with its mandate to provide technical support at the startup and development stages of small enterprises with the aim of creating a more diverse economy.

Access the Import and Export Procedures Manual, Trade Facilitation Agreement Fact Sheet, Bureau of Standards and Quality Act among other resources.

The Saint Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA)

The Saint Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) is a government supported organization established in 2007. This agency's major focus is that of Investment Promotion primarily geared at foreign direct investment (FDI). SKIPA falls under the supervision of the office of the Prime Minister and reports directly to the Senior Secretary in that Ministry. The Agency has as its Mission "To proactively promote and generate strategic investments for Saint Kitts and to facilitate the establishment and expansion of local and foreign investment projects, while advocating for the continued development and enhancement of the investment environment in Saint Kitts.

Access a step-by-step guide to establishing a business as well as downloadable guides on incorporating a company and acquiring a business license.

The Development Bank of Saint Kitts and Nevis (Business Support Unit)

The Development bank of St. Kitts and Nevis is a statutory corporation hence the major shareholder is the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. The bank has its main branch on St. Kitts with a sub - branch on Nevis. While the main focus of the bank is Development financing, there is a Business Support Unit that provides support services to people who benefit from the financial offerings/ products of the Bank.

Access the General Loan Online Application, loan calculator and book an appointment.

Ministry of Finance (Customs Department)

The St. Kitts and Nevis Customs Department is a government agency with the responsibility of protecting the country from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods across our borders.

Access the online Customs Duty Calculator to easily visualize the various costs related to importing goods from countries outside of St. Kitts and Nevis.

St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce

The St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SKNCIC) is the leading private sector organization in which the focus is to nurture and create the right environment to foster sustainable economic growth.

Access past webinars from the Chamber including the Strategic Planning and Formulation Session.

sknchamber.com

About the MSME Clearinghouse:

The MSME Clearing House is a platform dedicated to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Our mission is to provide a centralized hub of resources and information tailored specifically to the needs of women-owned businesses.

At the MSME Online Clearinghouse, we believe in the power of knowledge and community. Join us today and unlock a world of resources tailored to empower women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector. Together, let us break barriers, achieve success, and create a more equitable and resilient society.

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Argentina

Ministry of Economy announces tax relief for more than 500,000 MSMEs and financing to strengthen the knowledge economy

The Minister of Economy announced a package of tax measures aimed at more than 515,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that includes benefits in the payment of employer contributions and advance payments on income tax, and exclusions from VAT. In addition, it was announced that there will be an expansion of the Potencia PyMEX Program, to boost the export profile of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the financing line for the development of Argentine companies in the Knowledge Economy was launched.

Minister of Economy met with more than 300 SMEs that export to 150 countries

The Minister of Economy, together with the Secretary of Industry and Productive Development of the Nation, met with more than 300 exporting SMEs from all over the country that, through the Potencia PyMEx Program, improve their processes and products to quickly increase their exports and reach more markets. The MSMEs that participate in the program represent 10.5% of SME exports, are large job creators and sell their products to 150 countries.

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Belize

CDB Extends USD12.5 million Line of Credit to Government of Belize to Boost MSMEs

The DFC, which will administer the project, was established to expand and strengthen the economy of Belize by providing funding on affordable terms to individuals or groups seeking to develop key economic sectors, but unable to access resources on reasonable terms.

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Bolivia

More than 180 SMEs participate in Bolivia and La Paz

More than 180 productive units of artisans, micro and small businesses (SMEs) participate in the Hecho fair in Bolivia, informed the PRO-BOLIVIA director.

Government delivers productive assets to SMEs of Cochabamba for a value of Bs 1.7 million

The national government, through the Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo y Economía Plural and Pro-BOLIVIA, handed over productive assets to micro and small companies (SMEs) in the department of Cochabamba for a value of Bs 1.7 million, within the framework of the PROMYPE Phase 2 project.

Government delivers 133 certificates to SMEs in Oruro

The national government, through the ministries of Productive Development and Plural Economy and Education, delivered 133 certificates of competence to artisans and producers of Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs) in the department of Oruro.

Government implements support measures for the economic and productive reactivation of SMEs

The Government, since November 2020 to date, has been implementing support measures for the economic and productive reactivation of micro and small enterprises (SMEs) and artisans in the country, informed the Vice-minister of Micro, Small Business and Crafts. The Minister explained that government support actions for the reactivation of the productive apparatus are carried out through concrete measures of financial, productive and commercial support, with the objective of boosting the internal market and promoting the diversification and development of the national industry with import substitution.

Government supports SMEs with production reactivation measures and ratifies fight against smuggling

The National Government through the Ministry of Productive Development and Plural Economics, the Vice-Ministry to Fight Against Smuggling and the National Customs supports the micro and small business sector (SME) with measures of economic reactivation and fight against smuggling to protect it national industry and the country's economy.

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Brazil

Current and potential entrepreneurs now have Sebrae’s unified platform

This new system brings together Sebrae products, both paid and free, in a single environment. Online and in-person courses, lectures, seminars and workshops for entrepreneurs gathered in a single space. This is the proposal of Loja Sebrae, a platform that provides access to products and services developed by the institution (paid or free), quickly and securely. The objective is to unify the shopping experience in a virtual environment for all of Brazil – until the beginning of this year, each state unit had its own way of offering training over the internet.

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Chile

SMEs from all over the country will exhibit their innovative products at Espacio Food & Service

The Technical Cooperation Service, Sercotec, announced the list of the 16 small companies from all over the country that were selected to market their innovative products at Espacio Food & Service, an important international fair for the food industry that will take place this 26 , September 27 and 28 at Espacio Riesco.

South-South Cooperation, the international initiative that unites Chile and Argentina to support SMEs

Professionals from the Ministry of Production, Science and Technological Innovation of the Province of Buenos Aires learned about the work carried out by Sercotec.

Ecuadorian delegation visited Chile to learn about local strategies to support SMEs

Specialists and technicians in commerce, productive development and business growth toured three regions of the country, seeking to learn about experiences to replicate small business development initiatives in Ecuador.

AWE Academy and Sercotec certify 28 women from the O'higgins Region

Entrepreneurship is often the path to economic autonomy for women, who have assumed a leading role in family and local economies, generating initiatives that have a positive impact on their environments. In this context, the AWE (Academy for Women Entrepreneurs) program is being implemented with support from the Embassy of the United States, in coordination with Mujeres del Pacífico and an ecosystem of allied organizations, among which Sercotec stands out.

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Colombia

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism promotes alliance to benefit the insurance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

An alliance to advance the design and implementation of inclusive insurance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and for the popular economy, promoted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism together with the Federation of Colombian Insurers, Fasecolda; the Opportunities Bank and the United Nations Program, UNDP.

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Dominican Republic

ProDominicana signs inter-institutional agreement with INPOSDOM in favor of MSMEs

With the objective of promoting the competitiveness and productivity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Dominican Republic, the Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana) and the Dominican Postal Institute (INPOSDOM) signed a collaboration agreement to develop a portfolio of products and services for the benefit of these types of business.

MSMEs highlight boost they receive from the Government through INABIE

The micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector highlighted the support provided by the Government through the National Student Welfare Institute (INABIE) with great support so that they can fulfill their mission of providing service to more than 1.8 million public pre-university school students.

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Ecuador

+Pymes Para el Mundo- Chakra Edition will bring together companies from Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Pastaza

On September 8, 9 and 10, 2023, the + SMEs for the world-Edition Chakra will take place and bring together small and medium-sized enterprises from Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Pastaza.

+SMEs for the world: New edition in Loja

Within the framework of the 194 Loja Fair, a multi-sector event, created with the objective of promoting the regional economy and border integration, which took place from August 31 to September 17, +SMEs arrives for the world Loja; a dynamic and interactive space that seeks to connect commercial and business opportunities to boost the productive and economic competitiveness of the country.

+SMEs has a new tool for the anthropological study of the Ecuadorian productive ecosystem

+SMEs for the World, the strategy carried out by the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries for the strengthening and promotion of MSMEs, entrepreneurs, artisans, and the popular and solidarity Economy, will include a guidelines to develop a business anthropology study. Its purpose is understanding in depth the sociocultural behaviors of the participating productive units and its impact on the development of their businesses.

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El Salvador

Agreement to open the first Trading House in Central America signed

The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), will sign an agreement to establish the first Trading House in Central America. With this new Marketing House located in Honduras, there are 32 stores in different areas of the globe such as: Europe, the United States, Colombia and Canada. The objective of these marketing houses is to establish strategic alliances for the promotion of the exportable offer of MSEs internationally.

Course on “Good Environmental Practices for SMEs.”

The Government of El Salvador, through the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), held the closing of the course “Good Environmental Practices for SMEs”. There are about 35 entrepreneurs who have graduated from this edition of the course, which took place between May 4 and June 15 virtually.

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Jamaica

Industry Ministry to Engage MSMEs at Business Roadshows

The Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce (MIIC) partnered with several private and public-sector entities to travel across the island to engage micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in a series of activities. The national initiative, dubbed the ‘MSME Business Roadshow’, began on August 10, 2023.

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Mexico

Nafin and Bancomext celebrate MSMEs with a commitment of permanent support

Between 2019 and 2022, Nacional Financiera (Nafin) and the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) on average have annually served 532,805 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country by offering credits and guarantees, of which 90 % was channeled to microenterprises.

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Panama

Fedecámaras and Ampyme organize a symposium for MSMEs

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of the Republic of Panama (Fedecámaras) together with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Authority will hold a symposium on September 21 aimed at training entrepreneurs and micro businessmen. , small and medium enterprises.

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Paraguay

MIC will offer a free course on financial education for MSMEs

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, through the Distance Training Platform (PCD), will hold a free course on Financial Education aimed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Digitization of MSMEs will be studied with the objective of promoting and improving electronic commerce at the national level

Taking into account the importance of technology in the growth, development and commercialization of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CAPACE), together with the American University, with the support of the Vice Ministry of MSMEs of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), will survey the level of digital maturity of MSMEs in Paraguay.

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Peru

Minister of Production announced that it will promote financial inclusion and tax flexibility for SMEs

The Ministry of Production will promote financial inclusion and tax flexibility with Sunat, these are necessary conditions to guarantee the growth of micro and small businesses in the country.

Produce coordinates with five ministries to promote public purchases for SMEs

The Ministry of Production announces that it is working to promote government purchases from MSMEs, including five sectors of the Peruvian government, for more than S/ 1,144 million: the Ministry of Defense, with S/ 470 million; the Ministry of the Interior, with S/ 365 million; the Ministry of Education, with S/ 261 million; the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, with S/ 48 million; and the Ministry of Production; with S/ 486,000.

Produce will hold a National Business Roundtable with the participation of 100 MSMEs and 20 companies interested in making purchases

Within the framework of the Expo Perú Regions 2023 Fair, which will be held from December 6 to 10 in Lima, a National Business Roundtable will be held with the participation of 100 MSMEs and 20 purchasing companies.

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Saint Lucia

SSDF provides single mothers with entrepreneurship training

This is an initiative to encourage and motivate single mothers as they journey into the world of entrepreneurship. This Coaching Session was aimed at over thirty single and vulnerable mothers and it was organized by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF).

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United States

U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Call for Nominations for 2024 National Small Business Week Awards

The NSBW Awards recognize the outstanding achievements, triumphs, contributions, and resilience of SBA-assisted small businesses that help to drive the American economy.

SBA Dedicates $20 Million to New Small Business Export Growth

The U.S. SBA announced $20 million in grants awarded to 49 state and territory international trade agencies across the country as part of the SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).

SBA Launches “Investing in America: Small Business Tools and Resources” Webinar Series with Public Private Strategies Institute

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) formally announced today its “Investing in America: Small Business Tools and Resources” series, a new collaboration with Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) to expand public awareness of SBA’s programs, priorities, and initiatives that will empower business owners across the country, particularly those from underserved and disadvantaged communities.

SBA Announces $8 Million in PRIME Grants to Help Micro-Entrepreneurs

Grants will help 32 organizations with program development and provide training and technical assistance to improve access to capital for economically disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.

U.S. Small Business Administration to Host 10th Annual National Veterans Small Business Week Oct. 30 – Nov. 3

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) for the tenth consecutive year. The week-long event will take place Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023, and includes in-person and virtual events highlighting the nation’s nearly two million Veteran-owned small businesses.

Launch of the Small Business Loan Program Improvements to Expand Access to Capital Starting August 1

Lending program improvements expand access to capital for small businesses and increases protection against fraud.

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Uruguay

Applications opened for Electronic Commerce and Digital Economy Course for SMEs

MIEM-Dinatel, together with the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (INEFOP), opened applications for a new edition of the electronic commerce and digital economy course. It is aimed at entrepreneurs who own micro or small businesses (SMEs) and up to one additional worker. Applications opened until 9/24. Starts in October 2023.

Small and medium-sized dairy industries implement occupational health and safety measures with support from the MIEM

MIEM-Dinapyme and the Uruguayan Association of Dairy SMEs (AUPYL) carried out a pilot public-private cooperation program aimed at implementing regulations on occupational health and safety in 18 small and medium-sized dairy industries.

Launch of Acelera Maldonado, an inter-institutional initiative that will support food and beverage SMEs

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM), the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (INEFOP), the Chamber of Industries of Uruguay (CIU), and the Municipality of Maldonado presented Acelera Maldonado. This initiative will facilitate the growth of 30 companies in the food and beverage sectors, through support in various areas. Companies may apply until September 20.

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      INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

Promoción de la inserción internacional de pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) mediante plataformas digitales en la Alianza del Pacífico

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