The program Innova TV launched its new season with a focus on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital business. In this first edition, economist Juan Paredes—who until recently served as the National Director of Entrepreneurship at the Vice-Ministry of MSMEs (MIC)—detailed the achievements and challenges of his tenure in fostering a business culture within the country.
Paredes noted that despite budgetary limitations, his management focused on four fundamental pillars: entrepreneurship, formalization, market access, and access to financing, all supported by technical training.
Key Actions and Ecosystem Strengthening
Among the primary initiatives, he highlighted the promotion of entrepreneurial culture through events like "Afters Emprendedores" across the country, designed to connect enthusiasts with successful business owners.
Significant progress was also made in the digitalization of MSMEs:
- University Collaboration: Projects were launched to utilize the talent of university students to train traditional small businesses in digital tools, social media, and electronic payments.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Work was done to develop clear regulations for business incubators and accelerators, aiming to professionalize the support provided to new ventures.
New Initiatives and Funding
The director announced the upcoming start of a project funded by the European Union, totaling 10 million euros, to support youth employment and entrepreneurship over the next five years. Additionally, the "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" was created to grant visibility and recognition to the sector's top performers.
Paredes also emphasized the importance of local government cooperation, citing Pilar as the first municipality to allocate funds from commercial taxes to support local entrepreneurs.
Strategic Projects
- Business Mentoring: A pilot program was developed using international technical methodology to pair experienced businessmen with early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Meta Cooperation: Through the "Learning with Meta" series, over 4,300 people were trained in the commercial use of social media and Artificial Intelligence.
- "Local Digital" Project: An intensive intervention alongside the UNDP and IDB for the digital transformation of 50 traditional companies through rebranding and online software.
- Regulatory Challenges: Efforts are underway to regulate angel and venture capital funds (based on a 10-year-old law) and to create the National Registry of Entrepreneurs.
Finally, Paredes touched upon the impact of the "Afters Emprendedores" in the interior of the country. This model sought to inspire youth outside the Greater Asunción area through the testimonies of local businessmen who have successfully navigated the "valley of death."
Source: Innova News / Joel Barrios https://innovanews.com.py/director-del-mic-destaca-el-crecimiento-del-emprendedurismo-y-la-digitalizacion-en-paraguay/