# SME integration and productivity in Latin America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sme-integration-and-productivity-in-latin-america
> Updated: 2026-10-21T04:21:54.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 7.

Discussions regarding small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth and integration have focused on bridging productivity and connectivity gaps. In Chile, leaders have emphasized the need for symbiosis between SMEs and large corporations to drive economic growth, noting a significant productivity gap between the two sectors. Efforts to integrate local providers into larger industrial supply chains are being pursued through public-private alliances. For example, in Chiloé, collaborations between Sercotec and local businesses aim to connect SMEs with the salmon industry using technology and training. Data from the Chilean Ministry of Economy shows that MiPymes accounted for 88.1% of purchase orders through the Compra Ágil de Mercado Público system during the first half of 2025, totaling over 321,000 orders. In late 2026, the Chilean Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism launched SME Week 2026. During this period, Corfo facilitated the “Conectar para Crecer” matchmaking event in Santiago, which hosted over 600 business meetings between approximately 130 SMEs and 30 large corporations. Corfo also allocated over $800 million to 35 SMEs in the Los Ríos region to boost productivity and employment. Regional activities expanded the week’s scope, including the launch of the “Potencia” incubator in Magallanes and initiatives in Aysén focusing on native forests and nature tourism. In Biobío, Sercotec organized business rounds and certification ceremonies, while collaborating with the Defensoría del Contribuyente (DEDECON) to provide free tax assistance for formalization. Additionally, CIDERE and Universidad Andrés Bello have collaborated through the CIDERE Innovation Table to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem. During SME Week 2026, Sercotec implemented a nationwide training program on artificial intelligence, reaching over 2,000 entrepreneurs through 62 business development centers. In Valparaíso, ProChile and INACAP conducted sessions on internationalization and AI for export processes.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Regional development and export challenges in Chile

Chilean regional leaders are focusing on diversifying exports through SMEs in Los Lagos and addressing resource centralization in O’Higgins to drive local economic development.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-development-and-export-challenges-in-chile

### 2026-10-19: Chilean SMEs leverage Corfo support for expansion and AI innovation

Chilean SMEs are driving growth and innovation through Corfo support, ranging from Patagonia-based artisanal food expansion to the integration of artificial intelligence in aquaculture and forestry.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-smes-leverage-corfo-support-for-expansion-and-ai-innovation

### 2026-10-17: Chile hosts SME Week 2026 with AI training and regional support

Chile's SME Week 2026 features nationwide initiatives including AI training for 2,000 entrepreneurs, regional summits, and support for sustainable and international business growth.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aguas-cap-to-showcase-regional-development-at-forede-2026

### 2026-10-14: Chilean agencies launch multiple support initiatives for SMEs

Chilean agencies Sercotec and Corfo are launching multiple initiatives during SME Week 2026, including tax assistance, business networking, and significant funding to support small business growth and formalize

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-celebrates-sme-week-2026-with-business-initiatives

### 2026-10-12: Chile hosts SME Week 2026 to boost business connectivity

Chile is celebrating SME Week 2026 with national initiatives, including Corfo’s business matchmaking event in Santiago and regional entrepreneurship programs in Magallanes.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-hosts-sme-week-2026-to-boost-business-connectivity

### 2026-09-30: Chilean SMEs seek better integration with large industrial supply chains

Chilean SMEs are working to bridge the gap with large industrial supply chains through public-private alliances and digital tools to improve local procurement and competitiveness.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-smes-seek-better-integration-with-large-industrial-supply-chains

### 2026-09-29: SME growth and productivity discussed in Chile and Honduras

Business leaders in Chile and Honduras discuss SME growth, focusing on closing productivity gaps and building resilience through strategic alliances and adaptive management.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sme-growth-and-productivity-discussed-in-chile-and-honduras

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Cite as: SME integration and productivity in Latin America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sme-integration-and-productivity-in-latin-america