AGP Executive Report

Digital Trade Boost: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled to $87.7B in 2024, and could grow up to 7.9% annually through 2040—helping small firms reach global customers. Fintech Expansion: Nubank will launch U.S. products via partner banks, starting with high-yield savings, credit cards and remittances, with small business accounts flagged for later. AI Lending Scale-Up: Mexico’s Kapital raised $125M to expand its AI-powered banking platform for SMEs, now serving 350,000+ clients across Mexico, Colombia, Spain and the U.S. Tax Relief for SMEs (Mexico): Mexico’s new measures aim to simplify digital paperwork for 4.1M taxpayers, including more frequent ISR payments and a 7% option, plus a zero tax rate for books. Local Business Pressure (Los Angeles): Un Solo Sol, a 16-year-old vegan spot in Boyle Heights, is closing Sept. 28 due to rising costs and industry headwinds. Healthcare Market Access (Costa Rica): Nanox signed a distribution deal with SOLME to market Nanox.ARC in Costa Rica after a required registration POC period. Federal Contracting (Puerto Rico): Fort Buchanan and partners held a roundtable to help local entrepreneurs compete for federal construction work tied to Army readiness. Labor Organizing (Canada): Starbucks workers in Hamilton voted to join the United Steelworkers, citing safety, scheduling, seniority and wage structure concerns. Sports Betting Deal (Mexico): Codere Online became the official betting partner of the NFL in Mexico under a multi-year agreement. Small-Business Risk (U.S. fraud case): A former CEO of a tax compliance startup was charged with defrauding investors out of $13M+ by allegedly faking credentials and revenue.

AI Banking Expansion: Mexico’s Kapital secured US$125M to scale its AI-driven lending and banking platform, reporting ~US$50M net income in H1 2026 and a 220% jump in its loan portfolio to over US$1.7B. Digital Trade Boost: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled to US$87.7B in 2024, with policy upgrades could lift growth through 2040. US Market Push for Fintech: Nubank will launch U.S. high-yield savings, credit cards and remittances via partner banks, targeting under-served customers while its full charter process continues. Bilingual Marketing for SMBs: A Panama-focused piece highlights how AI avatar video tools can cut the “double filming” cost of Spanish-and-English marketing for small businesses. Local Contracting Support: Puerto Rico’s Fort Buchanan is teaming with federal agencies and local business groups to help small firms compete for construction and recovery-related federal work. Sustainable Development Angle: A Caribbean sustainability feature argues research must translate into real development impact, not stay academic. Critical Minerals Recon: GoldHaven completed early geological reconnaissance across 123,900 hectares in Brazil, flagging Cu-Ni-Co, rare earths, and lithium targets for follow-up.

Digital Trade Boost: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled to $87.7B in 2024, with a big growth runway if policies improve. Fintech Expansion: Nubank is launching U.S. high-yield savings, credit cards, and remittances via partner banks, aiming to reach underbanked customers and potentially add small-business accounts later. AI Lending Funding: Mexico’s Kapital raised $125M to scale its AI underwriting, reporting strong 1H 2026 growth in loans and deposits. SMB Payments Push: Visa and the IFC plan to back about $200M in credit through ~50 financial institutions across 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries to expand digital payments for underbanked consumers and small businesses. Local Contracting Support: Puerto Rico’s Fort Buchanan is teaming with federal agencies and local business groups to help small firms compete for construction and federal opportunities tied to Army readiness. Contact Center Reality Check: SuccessKPI’s survey finds many contact centers have AI plans but lack governance and data management to make automation work. Healthcare Market Entry: Nanox signed a Costa Rica distribution deal for its Nanox.ARC system, using a partner with CCSS supplier access. Sports Betting Deal: Codere Online became the NFL’s official betting partner in Mexico under a multi-year agreement.

AI & CX Operations: SuccessKPI’s Contact Center Maturity Survey of 400 operators finds most teams have AI plans, but weak governance and data management are holding back hybrid human+AI agent models. Digital Payments for SMBs: Visa and the IFC launched a risk-sharing initiative to expand digital payments in 14 Latin America/Caribbean countries, targeting about $200M in risk sharing over five years to help underbanked consumers and small businesses. SMB Finance Expansion (Mexico): Kapital raised $125M to scale its AI-driven lending, reporting strong 1H 2026 growth in income, deposits, and loan portfolio while keeping non-performing loans at 2.86%. Healthcare Procurement (Costa Rica): Nanox signed a distribution deal with SOLME to market Nanox.ARC in Costa Rica, with commercialization tied to CCSS registration steps. Bilingual Marketing (Panama): A new AI avatar generator pitch targets Panama’s Spanish/English video marketing cost problem by enabling consistent Spanish-language presenters. Remote Production Tech: Haivision and EVS demoed 5G bonded cellular remote production with robotic camera control—useful for media and production SMEs. Sports Betting (Mexico): Codere Online became the NFL’s official betting partner in Mexico, adding Super Bowl LXI and NFL Mexico Game sponsorships. Cyber Risk: Radware reports web DDoS attacks up sharply in H1 2026, a warning for SMBs running customer-facing sites. Infrastructure & Local Firms (Puerto Rico): Fort Buchanan convened federal agencies and local entrepreneurs to improve how construction small businesses compete for federal work. Trade & Growth Lens (LAC): An IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digital trade in Latin America and the Caribbean is nearing $90B, with digitally delivered services surging to $87.7B in 2024.

Digital Payments Push: Visa and the IFC launched a risk-sharing initiative to expand digital payments in emerging markets, targeting about $200M in credit risk support across 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries to reach underbanked consumers and small businesses. SME Finance Expansion: Mexico’s AI-driven lender Kapital secured $125M to scale its AI underwriting model, reporting strong H1 2026 growth in loans, deposits, and net income while keeping non-performing loans at 2.86%. E-commerce Growth: An IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digital trade in Latin America and the Caribbean has surged to nearly $90B, with digitally delivered services exports rising to $87.7B in 2024—an opening for SMBs selling cross-border online. Local Contracting & Readiness: Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico is teaming with local entrepreneurs and agencies to help small firms compete for federal construction work tied to recovery and Army readiness. Cyber Risk for SMBs: Radware reports web DDoS attacks jumped 110.6% in H1 2026, with faster exploitation and AI-driven threats accelerating pressure on smaller operators. Caribbean Jobs & Demand: Saint Lucia’s unemployment fell to 10.1% in Q2 2026, with plans to boost public-private infrastructure and small businesses to sustain gains. Bilingual Marketing Tool: A Panama-focused piece highlights how an AI avatar generator can cut the “double production” cost of Spanish/English video marketing for bilingual SMBs. Hospitality Tech Rollout: Flywire expanded its payments and e-signature platform with Davidson Hospitality Group, aiming to reduce processing costs and speed cash collection. Construction Disputes Expertise: FTI Consulting added Luis Roman to strengthen construction forensics and claims support across Latin America. Market Watch (Non-Regional): A gum turpentine market forecast and other unrelated corporate items appeared, but they don’t directly move Latin America SMBs.

Digital Payments Push: Visa and the World Bank’s IFC launched a risk-sharing initiative to expand digital payments and financial inclusion, with initial focus on 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries and support for about $200M in risk sharing over five years for enrolled institutions serving underbanked consumers and small businesses. SME Trade Growth: An IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digital trade in Latin America and the Caribbean has surged, with exports of digitally delivered services nearly quintupled to $87.7B in 2024, pointing to policy needs like better connectivity and modernization to unlock more growth for entrepreneurs. Hospitality Tech Expansion: Cloud5 Communications agreed to acquire interTouch CALA, expanding its hotel technology and communications services across South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean—aimed at managed IT, cybersecurity, and connectivity for SMB-heavy hospitality operators. Cybersecurity Watch: Radware’s H1 2026 threat report flags a major jump in web DDoS activity and faster exploitation trends, a reminder for SMBs and vendors in the region to tighten defenses. Business Climate Angle: A Brazil-focused commentary argues fiscal balance is now directly squeezing households and companies, stressing social programs need measurable returns to protect growth.

Trade Tensions: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods kicked in after talks collapsed, with duties up to 50% hitting items from steel and farm equipment to everyday products like cheese and cosmetics—raising fresh pressure on small firms tied to cross-border procurement. Digital Growth for SMEs: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled since 2005, reaching $87.7B in 2024, and argues better connectivity and modern rules could help more entrepreneurs scale. Hospitality Tech Expansion: Cloud5 Communications agreed to acquire interTouch CALA, expanding its hotel IT and communications footprint across South/Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean—potentially boosting tech access for regional operators. Caribbean Finance Networking: Puerto Rico’s Financial Services Forum opens registration for Nov. 2–3, spotlighting fintech, AI in insurance, AML, and digital assets—relevant for SMBs seeking partnerships and compliance know-how. SME Trade Links (Caribbean-Africa): CARICOM leaders marked Africa Day with calls for deeper Caribbean-Africa cooperation, citing Afreximbank support for infrastructure, small businesses, and trade. Cross-Border Payments: SQRIL says its scan-and-pay QR solution now supports banks and neobanks to let users pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in their home currency.

AI & Cloud Expansion: NowVertical is expanding its Google Cloud practice into Brazil, building local delivery capacity for data modernization and enterprise AI, alongside its Qlik business. AI Sales Tech Partnerships: SalesCloser teamed with Tendril to blend autonomous AI sales agents with human-assisted outbound dialing and nearshore staffing. Payments & Cross-Border Commerce: SQRIL says it’s now supporting banks and neobanks to let app users scan-and-pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in home currency. SME Policy Push: China unveiled a plan to cultivate 10,000+ AI-focused SMEs by 2028, with incubators, clusters, and low-cost computing support. Caribbean-Africa Business Links: CARICOM leaders marked CARICOM–Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger trade, connectivity, and financing for small businesses via partners like Afreximbank. Local Craft Market Upgrade: Jamaica is moving to rehabilitate the Old Fort Craft Market (Montego Bay) to scale artisan sales for tourism, while warning about imported “Jamaican” imitations. Immigration Pressure on Workers: El Salvador’s TPS end date is set for Sept. 9, raising urgency for affected families and the businesses that rely on their labor.

SBA & Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Nicki Minaj is named to an all-star judging panel for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition finale, putting a high-profile spotlight on SMB founders. Caribbean-Africa Trade Push: CARICOM marked the fifth CARICOM–Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, citing progress in trade, air connectivity, health cooperation, and financing for infrastructure and small businesses via Afreximbank. Parliamentary Oversight: In Sint Maarten, Parliament’s chair Sarah Wescot-Williams says adopted laws have “stranded” at government and argues for stronger independent scrutiny—an issue that can directly affect business rules and enforcement. Cross-Border Payments for SMBs: SQRIL says it now supports banks and neobanks to let users scan-and-pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aiming to cut credit-card and cash costs for merchants. Digital Retail Growth: A new report forecasts rapid expansion of cloud point-of-sale systems, reflecting SMB demand for scalable payments, inventory, and customer tools. AI SME Drive (China): China’s plan targets 10,000 AI-focused SMEs by 2028, with incubators, clusters, and low-cost computing support—signals for regional tech competition and partnerships. Craft Market Protection: Jamaica’s Delano Seiveright backs a bigger craft center and tougher protection against imported “Jamaican” imitations, linking tourism growth to local artisan livelihoods.

SME Payments Push: SQRIL says it’s now helping banks and neobanks let app users scan-and-pay local QR codes across Asia, Africa and Latin America, aiming to cut cross-border card and ATM costs by settling merchants in local fiat. Digital Banking Upgrade: People First Bank launched a new digital banking platform powered by Backbase’s AI-native Banking OS, targeting simpler onboarding, stronger security and more reliable service for its ~750,000 customers. AI for Small Firms: China’s industry ministry unveiled a plan to grow AI entrepreneurship among SMEs by 2028, targeting 10,000 AI-focused SMEs and “little giant” specialists, plus incubators, demo platforms and low-cost computing support. Craft Market Protection: Jamaica’s craft council chair Delano Seiveright backed a $53.5M rehab of the Old Fort Craft Market and called for stronger protection against imported goods sold as Jamaican. Loan-Sharking Crackdown in Panama: Panama’s police director linked a deadly attack in San Miguelito to organized crime or loan-sharking, citing ongoing operations against predatory lenders. Immigration Pressure on Salvadorans: U.S. TPS for El Salvador is set to end Sept. 9, raising urgency for affected families and the local businesses that rely on their labor.

H-1B Fallout for Latin American Workers: A Peruvian athlete-turned-business grad says an H-1B layoff forced her return home, underscoring how visa shifts can abruptly derail careers and small-business talent pipelines. Organized Crime & Predatory Lending in Panama: Police link a deadly shooting in San Miguelito to loan-sharking networks tied to money laundering, a reminder that “informal” credit can become a business risk. Caribbean Craft Sector Push: Jamaica’s deputy PM calls for a bigger craft center on the north coast to scale artisan sales and tourism—plus stronger protection against imports sold as Jamaican. SME AI Drive in China (spillover relevance): China’s plan targets 10,000 AI-focused SMEs by 2028, with incubators, clusters, and low-cost computing—useful context for LATAM founders watching AI funding models. TPS Deadline Hits Salvadorans: El Salvador’s TPS end date nears, raising urgency for immigrant workers and the local businesses that rely on their labor. Cross-border Payments Upgrade: Tazapay goes live on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia rails for faster local-currency payouts and collections.

AI SME Push: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology rolled out a plan to supercharge AI entrepreneurship, targeting 10,000+ AI-focused SMEs by 2028, plus incubators, public demo platforms, and “little giant” support for specialized firms. Digital Gap in the Region: A new look at Caribbean SMBs shows most are still running core operations by hand—only a small share use payroll or digitized inventory—while social media adoption is high, highlighting a practical automation priority for merchants. Craft Market Boost (Jamaica): Jamaica’s government is backing a $53.5M upgrade of the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay, aiming to help hundreds of vendors and small businesses compete better with imported “Jamaican” knockoffs. Immigration Shock for Salvadoran Workers (U.S.): With El Salvador’s Temporary Protected Status set to end Sept. 9, community leaders and business owners warn of major labor and tax impacts as workers face renewed deportation risk. Payments Expansion (LATAM): Tazapay launched on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia coverage so businesses can route payouts/collections via local rails instead of separate provider setups. Trade Policy Uncertainty: A week of coverage underscores how shifting U.S. tariff rules are turning trade into a moving target for importers and small operators planning costs and sourcing.

Immigration Shock for Salvadoran SMBs: With El Salvador’s Temporary Protected Status set to end Sept. 9, more than 170,000 people face renewed ICE arrest and deportation risk—raising labor and tax uncertainty for U.S. businesses that rely on their workers. Digital Payments & Cash-Heavy Reality: A look at the region’s slow shift to digital shows many small firms still automate the “front” (social media) while back-office work like payroll and inventory stays manual, keeping cash dominant and limiting growth. Craft Sector Push in Jamaica: Deputy PM Horace Chang backs a bigger craft center on the north coast to scale artisan sales for tourism, while Delano Seiveright calls for stronger protection against imports sold as “Jamaican.” Trade Policy Whiplash: Tariff rules keep changing fast, forcing import-dependent small businesses to plan around shifting costs rather than one predictable trade war. Cross-Border Money Rails: Tazapay goes live on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia coverage so businesses can route payouts/collections via local transfers instead of separate provider setups. Tech for Customer Retention: SuccessKPI rolls out AI quality-management tools aimed at contact centers—automating review volume while keeping human judgment in the loop.

Immigration Shock for Local Workforces: El Salvador’s Temporary Protected Status is set to end Sept. 9, putting about 170,000 people at risk of ICE arrest and deportation—an upheaval community leaders say will hit both families and U.S. employers that rely on their labor. Craft Sector Push in Jamaica: Deputy PM Horace Chang backs a bigger north-coast craft center to scale artisan sales for tourism, alongside a $53.5M rehabilitation of Montego Bay’s Old Fort Craft Market for about 156 vendors. Digital Payments & Automation Gap: A look at the Caribbean shows most SMEs still automate the “front” but run payroll, inventory, and ledgers by hand—highlighting why POS and back-office tools remain scarce. Trade Policy Pressure on Small Retailers: Tariffs are driving up everyday costs for small shops, with some owners forced to absorb higher prices rather than pass them on. Caribbean Craft Protection: Jamaica’s craft council chair Delano Seiveright calls for stronger action against imports that mimic Jamaican designs sold as “local.” Cross-Border Payments Upgrade: Tazapay goes live on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia rails so businesses can settle via local transfers instead of separate providers per country.

SME Digital Gap: Barbados says only 4–5% of business transactions are digital (vs. 18–19% in the U.S.), with just 13% using payroll software and 14% digitizing inventory—leaving many micro and small firms running stock and back-office work by hand. Policy & Costs for Small Firms: A U.S. senator tour highlights how tariff-driven price jumps hit small retailers and food shops, forcing tough choices between absorbing costs or raising prices. Trade Rules Volatility: A new look at 2026 trade policy describes a “patchwork” of shifting tariffs and legal reversals that businesses must plan around as a lasting reality, not a one-off shock. Fintech for LATAM Cross-Border Payments: Tazapay goes live on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia so businesses can route payouts/collections via local rails instead of separate providers per country. Local Market Protection: Jamaica’s craft council chief calls for stronger action against imported “Jamaican” knockoffs, alongside a $53.5M rehab of the Old Fort Craft Market to support 156 vendors. Business Training: INOVA Federal and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce launch “Empresarios,” a free eight-week program for entrepreneurs seeking practical setup and compliance guidance.

Craft Market Protection: Jamaica’s Delano Seiveright is pushing tougher safeguards for local craft producers, warning that imports are being sold to tourists as “Jamaican,” alongside a $53.5M rehab of Montego Bay’s Old Fort Craft Market to support 156 vendors. Messaging-as-a-Business: A look at how WhatsApp’s “free” model became a global customer tool for Meta, turning everyday messaging into large-scale commerce and cross-border connections. Creator Economy Push: Uganda’s short-form video platform Wano hit 50,000 installs, aiming to help African and diaspora creators get discovered without forcing content to fit global algorithms. Tariffs Hit Everyday Inputs: Wisconsin small businesses say tariffs are raising costs on common items like tomatoes and lettuce, squeezing margins and forcing hard pricing decisions. Peru Social Unrest & SMB Risk: Commentary on Peru’s crisis and the 1977 general strike highlights how instability, violence, and weak protection can spill into small business survival. Payments Expansion in LATAM: Tazapay went live on Borderless.xyz, adding Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia rails so businesses can route payouts/collections via local transfers instead of separate providers.