ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY – The Paraguayan National Development Bank (BNF, Banco Nacional de Fomento) has provided a total of ₲594 billion (approximately $74.7 million) in credit through its Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Mipymes) loan program, financing 7,440 businesses. This achievement, reached just eight months after the program's launch, is considered a significant contribution to revitalizing Paraguay's SME sector.

Government-Led Program's Success in Fostering SMEs

Manuel Ochipinti, President of BNF, announced these results at a press conference following a meeting with Pedro Alliana, acting President of Paraguay. He stated, "I was summoned by the acting President to report on the progress of the SME loan program, which was launched by the Ministry of Economy and Finance last September." He added, "To date, we have lent approximately ₲594 billion to 7,440 businesses."

The program was unveiled at the '2024 SME Forum' last September and operates with a total fund of ₲17.1 trillion (approximately $2.27 billion). The disbursed loans currently represent about 3.5% of the total fund. This indicates that a significant amount of capital is flowing into the SME sector, even at this early stage.

Tailored Support for Diverse SME Types

According to BNF's report, out of the total loan amount, ₲360.071 billion (approximately $45.3 million) was provided to 1,012 small businesses (Pequeñas empresas), and ₲138.072 billion (approximately $17.4 million) to 1,437 micro-enterprises (Microempresas). Additionally, ₲96.394 billion (approximately $12.1 million) was provided to 4,989 small-scale entrepreneurs (Microemprendedores), aiding them in starting and expanding their businesses.

Beyond general SME loans, BNF also operates customized programs for specific demographics, promoting inclusive finance. The 'Our Farmers (Ñande Chokokuépe Guarã)' program provided ₲37.28 billion (approximately $4.7 million) through 935 loans to the agricultural sector. This supports small-scale producers in the agricultural sector, the backbone of Paraguay's economy, contributing to rural economic revitalization.

The 'Capable Women (Kuña Katupyry)' program benefited 3,507 women, providing ₲45.247 billion (approximately $5.7 million). This program focuses on encouraging women's economic participation and fostering female entrepreneurship. Paraguay is striving to improve the socioeconomic status of women, and this program is considered part of that effort.

The 'Let's Work Better (Ñamba’apo Porãve)' program provided ₲13.867 billion (approximately $1.7 million) through 547 loans, assisting with productivity improvements and business expansion. These programs are linked to the Paraguayan government's socioeconomic development plans, focusing on supporting the growth of vulnerable groups and specific industrial sectors.

Competitive Interest Rates and Streamlined Procedures

President Ochipinti emphasized that BNF offers a variety of loan products with competitive interest rates ranging from 7.10% to 9.50%. He explained, "We have pushed this program forward very successfully. Much of the growth was due to the low interest rates and new loan limits we offered." He also stated that for small loans, the application process has been streamlined, minimizing paperwork and allowing loans to be disbursed "within three to four days," demonstrating a swift support system. This speed and accessibility help SMEs effectively respond to urgent funding needs.

Driving Force for Paraguayan SME Revitalization and Economic Development
In Paraguay, SMEs account for a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and play a crucial role in job creation. However, difficulty in securing funding has been a major barrier to their growth and development. BNF's loan program addresses this barrier and enhances financial accessibility for SMEs, laying a crucial foundation for Paraguay's sustainable economic growth.

This achievement is a clear signal that the Paraguayan government recognizes the importance of SMEs and is committed to fostering them as a key driver of economic development. Low interest rates, streamlined procedures, and tailored programs for specific demographics are expected to provide practical assistance in overcoming the real challenges faced by SMEs. Moving forward, there is likely to be increased interest in the positive ripple effect that BNF's SME loan program will have on the Paraguayan economy.

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