A new regional initiative is seeking to make artificial intelligence more accessible to Latin America’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Led by Colombia’s technology industry association CCIT and the Center for International Private Enterprise, the project will provide practical tools, training and shared purchasing mechanisms designed to help smaller companies improve productivity and compete in international markets.
A platform designed for smaller companies
The organisations plan to establish a Regional Private Sector Platform on AI for MSMEs, bringing together business associations, technology specialists and entrepreneurs from across Latin America and the Caribbean. The platform will support regional coordination, exchange practical experience and provide AI training across multiple industries. Partner organisations in Colombia, Chile and Peru are expected to participate.
Turning technology into practical business tools
The project will create an AI toolkit covering adoption, risk management, cybersecurity and data governance. It will also develop sector-specific guides showing how companies can apply AI to real commercial problems. For small businesses, potential uses include customer service, marketing, financial administration, inventory planning, translation and identifying new export markets. The focus is on affordable applications that can improve everyday operations rather than expensive experimental technology.
Collective purchasing could reduce costs
One of the initiative’s most commercially significant elements is a plan to aggregate demand for AI products through chambers of commerce and business associations. Smaller companies often pay higher prices or cannot access the same technology agreements available to large corporations. By negotiating collectively, participating businesses could obtain software, cloud services and training at lower prices. This approach could also give technology providers a clearer route to thousands of potential customers across the region.
Recognition from global trade organisations
The joint project was selected as a runner-up in the 2026 Small Business Champions competition supported by the World Trade Organization, the International Trade Centre and the International Chamber of Commerce. The competition focused on using AI to help smaller businesses participate more effectively in international trade. Recognition gives the Latin American initiative greater visibility and could help attract additional partners, technical expertise and financial support.
Governance remains central to adoption
The platform builds on a private-sector roadmap for AI governance developed with input from more than 60 regional experts and business representatives. Its objective is to align innovation with transparent rules covering privacy, cybersecurity, accountability and responsible use. Clearer standards are particularly important for smaller companies, which may lack legal departments or specialist technology teams capable of evaluating complex AI systems.
Closing the gap between large and small companies
Large corporations are already integrating AI into supply chains, financial management and customer operations. Smaller businesses risk falling behind because of limited budgets, skills shortages and uncertainty about which products to use. The regional platform is intended to reduce those barriers by converting general AI concepts into tools that entrepreneurs can understand and apply.
Success will depend on measurable results
The project’s impact will ultimately depend on whether participating companies can reduce costs, increase sales, reach new customers or enter additional markets. Training alone will not be sufficient. Small businesses will require affordable technology, reliable digital infrastructure and continued support after implementation. If the model succeeds, it could demonstrate how regional cooperation allows Latin America’s smaller enterprises to benefit from AI without requiring the resources of multinational companies.
Newshub Editorial in Latin America – 24 August 2026
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