Introduction to the Importance of SME Participation in Supply Chains
Juan José Sierra Álvarez, the national president of the Confederation of Mexican Employers’ Organizations (COPARMEX), emphasized the need for capacity building and financing to encourage small, medium, and microenterprises (SMEs) to join the supply chains of large corporations. This initiative aims to comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The Role of SMEs in Employment and Challenges
SMEs are significant contributors to employment, generating 70% of jobs in Mexico. However, they face challenges such as informality, with only 1.9 million formal SMEs out of a total of 5.5 million.
COPARMEX’s Initiatives to Support SMEs
To address these challenges, COPARMEX is developing the “Crece tu Negocio” (Grow Your Business) project. This initiative will provide a web platform incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to offer tailored solutions, diagnostics, and resources for entrepreneurs and SMEs.
- AI-driven platform: The platform will use generative AI to analyze and provide personalized recommendations for SMEs.
- Access to resources: The platform will connect SMEs with a network of partners offering tools, training, services, and solutions.
- Collaboration with large corporations: COPARMEX plans to sign collaboration agreements with major companies already working with SMEs, aiming to unify efforts and provide tailored support through the AI platform.
Key Aspects for SME Integration into Supply Chains
The “Crece tu Negocio” project will consider factors such as company size, industry, and location to ensure SMEs receive appropriate capacity building and certification opportunities.
The primary goal is to integrate SMEs into the supply chains of large corporations, particularly to meet USMCA requirements and capitalize on business opportunities arising from supply chain relocation.
First Regional Edition of FIIE
In this context, the first regional edition of the International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair (FIIE) was inaugurated. The event aims to foster alliances and commercial relationships, according to Beatriz Hernández Rojas, president of COPARMEX in Querétaro.
This year’s FIIE will feature 30 exhibitors, over 50 speakers, and 30 startups, expecting around 3,000 attendees.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Mauricio Kuri González highlighted Querétaro’s position as the second-highest state for investment announcements and its ranking among the top five states for absolute job creation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of COPARMEX’s initiative? The primary goal is to empower SMEs by providing capacity building and financing opportunities, enabling them to join the supply chains of large corporations.
- What challenges do SMEs face in Mexico? SMEs struggle with informality, as only 1.9 million are formally registered out of a total of 5.5 million.
- What is the “Crece tu Negocio” project? It’s a COPARMEX initiative offering a web platform with AI capabilities to provide personalized support, resources, and diagnostics for SMEs.
- What is the significance of the first regional edition of FIIE? The event aims to foster alliances and commercial relationships, showcasing innovative startups and industry leaders.
- Why is Querétaro a significant location for investment and job creation? Querétaro ranks second in investment announcements and is among the top five states for absolute job creation.
