2 platforms for smes in mexico to face economic slowdown (for free)
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Contxto – Within the span of seven days, startups and associations in Mexico have worked to launch free solutions to encourage users to stay at home.
First, there’s a free e-commerce platform known as “AIUDA.org” for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to offer their goods.
Secondly, the local government in Mexico and startup Flight Academy teamed up to launch a platform where people can locate businesses and individuals within the vicinity. That way they can buy or even trade goods without wandering too far from home, if at all.
Will it help? Sure. Will it be enough? Of course not.
New free platforms to help SMEs
Last week, the Mexican Association for Online Sales (AMVO, for its Spanish acronym) released a platform called “AIUDA.org.” Through this online site, brick-and-mortar businesses can freely showcase their products to potential buyers on their marketplace. If you’re the owner of such an SME or you know of someone looking to go digital, they can register here.
- Related article: Latin American startups versus Covid-19
Meanwhile, in Mexico City, as of last Sunday (12) users can now tap into “Conéctate.” As its name suggests, this app helps users connect with nearby companies and people that have a product or service they need. So besides letting you know if the local corner shop has hand sanitizer, service providers like carpenters or plumbers can host their skills on Conéctate.
In addition to curtailing the spread of the bug, authorities hope it helps local businesses and freelancers survive the economic slowdown.
Governments can’t go at it alone
Mexico continues its scramble to deter the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). Earlier this month authorities released an app with a questionnaire for users to check if they were showing symptoms of a Covid-19 infection. But recent developments suggest it needs more help, even if the federal government is reluctant to admit it.
Want proof?
Check out this video of a Mexican fish market from last week.
Warning: This video may lead to multiple facepalms. Viewer discretion is advised.
No doubt authorities need to raise more awareness of the ongoing health crisis. A glimpse at the regrettable situation in Ecuador should suffice to warn Latam of what could happen.
Other local and national governments in the region are working with startups to tackle the ongoing pandemic. For example, Innóvate Perú was looking for and funding near-ready products to launch into the market in this Andean country.
In Colombia, startup Truora hosts a platform for authorized businesses to register their personnel who are allowed to go out and validate their identity with government authorities.
Nevertheless, something of that scale has yet to take place in Mexico. What’s more, it’s highly unlikely that it will launch any project of that nature.
It’s up to startups and other participants in the ecosystem to act.
Related articles: Tech and startups from Mexico!
-ML
