By Alfredo Gutierrez
I was invited to join the Evaluation Committee of the Incúbate MX Program, which aims to promote an entrepreneurial culture as well as business and financial skills in micro, small, and medium-sized companies. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this project of the Offices of Economy of the State of Sinaloa, led by Javier Gaxiola Coppel.
On January 26 of this year, the program was launched in Culiacán by Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. He referred to Sinaloa as a state of opportunities. The governor announced that his government will become a partner of entrepreneurs and micro-entrepreneurs to make their business projects a reality and contribute to economic development and job creation in his state.
The Incúbate MX Program is divided into four categories:
1. Ideas or entrepreneurship. This refers to marketing a product or service that, preferably, takes into account new trends and technological applications.
2. Startups. This category is for projects that can be quickly scalable through the use of digital technology.
3. MSMES (Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises). This space is for micro, small, and medium-sized companies. These are traditional businesses, such as shoe stores, pastry shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.
4. Freelancers. This refers to self-employed workers who can provide their services to a variety of clients. In this segment are professions and trades, such as programming, graphic design, translation, photography, sales, private classes, and event organizations.
It is notable that the authorities in Sinaloa recognize the new business reality and are creating a variety of alternatives to encourage entrepreneurs. First is the support offered for ideas that can be brought to life. This is very important, because a large number of projects do not go beyond good intentions since they lack the necessary resources.
In the case of startups, the main cause of failure, according to data from the US business analysis company CB Insights, is a lack of market vision. Therefore, an appraisal committee and professionals within the Sinaloa Department of Economy is valuable, as it will broaden the vision of those companies that can grow rapidly with adequate advice.
For traditional MSMEs, support is critical, as these are the businesses that provide products or services on a day-to-day basis. They move money at the broadest base of the social pyramid, and deserve attention. Digitization of this type of company is essential to make its administration system easier to manage and its sales strategies more effective.
Good photographs are essential for digitally marketing any MSME. In our experience as creators of the bazarmx.community platform for micro-enterprises, we see an immense need for micro-businesses to have professional photos to promote their products or services. Hence the importance of support for freelance service providers (Category 4), who can service the areas of opportunity in the various productive sectors.
We celebrate the Incúbate MX initiative in the State of Sinaloa. We take participating seriously so that our dear Mexico’s economy and well-being continue to grow.
