AGP Executive Report

SME Growth Watch: Avolta/Hudson secured an eight-year extension at Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 4, keeping room for small retail partners and adding store redevelopments from 2029. Cross-Border Trade Tools: SURTE Global launched an import operations platform (Dallas; operations in China and Mexico) to help retailers and ecommerce brands coordinate suppliers, purchasing, and shipping in one place. Local Business Boost (World Cup): Queens’ QEDC rolled out a World Cup events guide with neighborhood watch-party tips, while New Jersey’s host committee set aside 770 free tickets for locals via a “Welcome World Rewards” program tied to supporting small businesses. Payments for Small Firms: Stripe and Lloyds debuted “Lloyds Accept,” using Stripe tech to let UK small businesses accept payments quickly via terminals, tap-to-pay, or links. Latin America Business Risk: Investor alerts and class actions target Globant over claims about its “Latin American pivot” and regional performance, with deadlines looming June 23. Mining/Jobs Angle (Peru): Cerro de Pasco Resources updated metallurgical tests for its Quiulacocha tailings reprocessing project, pointing toward a two-concentrate flowsheet with silver recovery.

SME Finance & Support: St. Maarten’s Chamber of Commerce (COCI) teamed with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to run a business support session on grants and financing tools, including export coaching and market-entry support for local entrepreneurs. Digital Banking & Risk: Brazil-focused digital bank PicS N.V. (PICS) is facing a securities class action tied to its IPO and credit-evaluation disclosures, a reminder for SMBs and investors to watch governance in fast-growing fintech. Trade Policy Watch: CARICOM trade ministers are being urged to think carefully before adding a 15% tariff on glass bottles, warning it could raise packaging costs for beverage makers and micro/small enterprises across the region. Local Business Pressure: A Salsarita’s location in Evansville permanently closed, citing inflated utilities, rent, taxes, labor, food and insurance—an all-too-common squeeze for restaurants. Disaster Recovery Finance: The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions highlighted disaster relief work in Jamaica, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, including restoring branches and connectivity to help members and local livelihoods bounce back.

Nasdaq Push (Mexico/Fintech): FEMSA says QED Investors will take a strategic equity stake in its lending unit, aiming to scale credit for underserved consumers in Mexico by pairing FEMSA’s customer reach and data with QED’s fintech lending know-how. Cross-Border Banking (Brazil/US): Inter opened a U.S. branch in Miami, positioning it as a regulated hub for cross-border services and helping international clients with U.S.-linked financial needs. SME Funding Access (Peru/Politics): Peru’s presidential race remains too close to call, with Fujimori edging Sánchez as ballots are counted—an outcome that could prolong uncertainty for business planning while disputes move toward mid-July adjudication. Local Business Pressure (Caribbean/Travel): Dominica reported strong 2025 tourism gains and early 2026 momentum, with visitor spending supporting local agriculture, construction, and small businesses. SME Growth via Community Capital (US/Immigration): CouCou Bakehouse’s Kickstarter success highlights how immigrant founders can hit brick-and-mortar goals when traditional loans are blocked.

Peru Election & Small Business Security: Peru’s presidential runoff is tightening as insecurity hits daily operations, with bus-company extortion and attacks reported across Lima—voters cite crime as a top concern, and exit polls show Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez neck-and-neck. World Cup Demand for Local SMEs: Houston-area restaurants, bars, hotels, retailers and entertainment venues are gearing up for World Cup crowds starting June 14, expecting weeks of visitor traffic and a rare sales boost for small operators. Caribbean Payments Friction: A Havana resident says many Mipyme shops in Playa won’t accept bank transfers, forcing customers to carry cash—an access problem that’s sparking complaints across neighborhoods. SME Finance via Embedded Lending: Yango Ventures backs Dubai fintech Comfi AI in a pre-Series A, aiming to plug working-capital gaps for SMEs in MENA with embedded financing tied to invoices and procurement. Inclusion as a Hiring Strategy: A Canadian campaign urges employers to create at least one opportunity for people with disabilities or underrepresented groups during 2026, framing inclusive hiring as smart talent strategy. Caribbean Housing Funding Debate: Jamaica’s Senate debates continued drawdowns from the National Housing Trust, with a senator warning withdrawals shouldn’t become permanent. Local Business Growth via Diversity: A Chilean-founded cleaning service in the U.S. credits diverse hiring and multilingual teams for scaling into a larger East Coast operation.

SME Credit Push (Guyana): The government tabled the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 to expand financing for small and medium enterprises, including up to $3 million in zero-interest micro-credit loans paired with mentorship and training. Payments & Cash Access (Cuba): A Playa resident says many small businesses (Mipymes) stopped accepting bank transfers, leaving shoppers unable to buy essentials without cash—sparking similar complaints across other Havana areas. Travel Connectivity (Airlines): Air Canada and Abra Group (Avianca/GOL brands) signed an MoU to build a long-term partnership, aiming to deepen codeshare and expand connectivity across North, Central and South America. Tourism Business Reality Check (Caribbean): Saint Lucia’s UWP criticized the tourism ministry’s “booming” narrative, pointing to 2025 declines and urging a more cautious read on recovery. Local Commerce During Big Events (World Cup): Coverage highlights how World Cup planning and fan spending can make or break local small businesses, from access and checkout frictions to neighborhood food demand. Innovation for Entrepreneurs (Yango): Yango Group’s Innovation Day 2026 in Côte d’Ivoire showcased tech for mobility and logistics and launched a fellowship cohort, framing digital tools as new work and entrepreneurship opportunities.

SME Credit Crunch: Banks may be flush with capital, but private-sector lending is still scarce—an AfDB-linked analysis flags Nigeria’s credit-to-GDP at just 9.4% and warns SMEs can’t get affordable financing to expand. Public Financing for SMEs: Guyana tabled the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 to create zero-interest micro-credit (up to $3M) for SMEs, paired with mentorship and training. Cross-Border Payments Push: Bank of America plans real-time cross-border payments for corporate and commercial clients, aiming to cut costs and support remittances and marketplace payouts. Local Payments Friction (Cuba): A Havana resident says many small shops in Playa won’t accept bank transfers, forcing customers to shop with cash—sparking wider complaints across neighborhoods. Caribbean Lending Costs: A Caribbean banking series argues the “cost of money” in the ECCU is high and slows growth, urging a strategic shift toward cheaper, more effective credit. Tourism & Small Business Pressure: In Saint Lucia, UWP questions “booming” tourism claims, warning stakeholders may be facing a slower recovery than officials suggest. Fashion as Enterprise: Guyana’s Origins fashion festival returns July 3–5 with runway slots and $250,000 cash grants for designers, positioning local fashion as a growth engine. Community Partnerships: Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas “Royal Beach Club” community day highlights collaboration with a chamber and small business development center.

SME Finance Push (Guyana): Guyana tabled the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 to create a state-backed bank for SMEs, offering up to $3M in micro-credit loans at zero interest, paired with mentorship and training to help entrepreneurs scale. Cross-Border Payments (Banking): Bank of America announced plans for cross-border real-time payments for corporate and commercial clients, aiming to cut costs and speed transfers for remittances, gig payouts, and e-commerce vendor payments. Tourism Reality Check (Saint Lucia): The UWP questioned Saint Lucia’s “booming” tourism narrative, citing declines in 2025 arrivals and cruise performance, warning the sector needs more than arrival headlines. Visa for Trade (Grenada): Grenada approved visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders starting July, positioning the move to boost investment, tourism, and small-business links, with talks on direct air links. Local Business Support (Caribbean lending): A new analysis argues Caribbean borrowing costs remain high, slowing growth, and points to credit unions as a cheaper alternative. Entrepreneurship Funding (Barbados): Barbados opened the Marcus Garvey Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition with $30K in prizes, seeking more applicants in the cultural industries. Payments/Fintech (Latin America): dLocal said it will release Q2 2026 results on Aug. 13, underscoring its role in connecting merchants to local payment systems across Latin America.

SME Finance Push (Guyana): Guyana tabled the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026 to expand SME access to up to $3M in zero-interest micro-credit, paired with mentorship and training to help entrepreneurs scale. Cross-Border Payments (Banking): Bank of America announced plans for cross-border real-time payments for corporate and commercial clients via Swift or CashPro, targeting faster remittances and gig/e-commerce payouts. SME Credit & Policy (Caribbean): Grenada approved visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders starting July, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and investment for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Local Business Support (Central Brooklyn): Assembly candidate Michael Bailey unveiled a Neighborhood Business Preservation Plan focused on keeping Black, Caribbean, and immigrant-owned businesses in Central Brooklyn amid rising costs. World Cup Commerce (Local Retail): Mansfield leaders say World Cup preparations are on schedule, with local restaurants and retailers expecting visitor-driven demand. Inclusive Youth Employment (Community Business Model): An “inclusive” snack cart/restaurant concept is being built to give teens and young adults with disabilities a community and job-skill pathway.

Trade & Tariffs Uncertainty: A Canadian manufacturer says U.S. trade threats forced it to reroute thousands of parts, with “volatility” hurting margins more than the tariff bill itself. SME Finance Push (Guyana): Guyana’s National Assembly plans a package that includes a Guyana Development Bank Bill to expand affordable, long-term lending for SMEs, plus updates to commercial lending and victim protection laws. Visa Access for Entrepreneurs (Grenada–Nigeria): Grenada approved visa-free entry for Nigerian passport holders starting July, aiming to boost travel for investors, professionals, and small businesses, with talks on direct air links within six months. LGBTQIA+ Rights & Jobs (Brazil): Brazil launched a campaign to publicize LGBTQIA+ rights efforts and results, citing BRL 61M invested since 2023 and training tied to income generation. World Cup Rules for Small Biz: A small business owner says Meta blocked his posts after FIFA flagged trademark issues tied to World Cup hashtags, highlighting how strict marketing rules can trip up local operators. Steel Sector Protection (Canada): Steelworkers welcomed a one-year extension of tariff rate quotas but urged tighter limits to defend domestic production and jobs. Cross-Border Payments (Banking): Bank of America plans next-quarter real-time cross-border payments for businesses and institutions, targeting faster remittances and vendor payouts.

AI for SMEs: Meta is rolling out its WhatsApp/Instagram “Business Agent” globally, aiming to help small and medium businesses automate customer replies, scheduling, and product recommendations in minutes—already used by about a million businesses in select markets including Brazil and Mexico. Cross-border payments: Bank of America says it will launch next quarter real-time cross-border payments for corporate and commercial clients via Swift or CashPro, targeting faster remittances and e-commerce vendor payouts. World Cup rules hit local shops: A Fort Worth bar owner says Meta banned his posts after FIFA flagged trademark issues tied to World Cup hashtags, highlighting how strict FIFA branding rules can disrupt small business marketing. Tourism boost via air links: Haiti’s new Newark–Cap-Haïtien route is expected to drive visitor arrivals and spill over to hotels, restaurants, transport, handicrafts, and local small businesses. Cyber risk for SMBs: A FIFA World Cup security report warns of identity fraud and fake ticketing/hospitality sites, with thousands of suspicious domains already registered. Local business demand signals: Jamaica’s rebuilding data shows a surge in building permit applications, including a notable rise in small residential projects under 300 sqm—an early read on recovery momentum for small builders and related firms.

AI for SMBs: Meta rolled out its Business Agent across WhatsApp and Instagram, aiming to let small firms answer customer questions, book appointments, and recommend products using a customizable AI “first responder.” Cross-border payments: Bank of America says it will launch next quarter a cross-border real-time payments service via Swift or CashPro, targeting faster, lower-cost remittances and e-commerce vendor payouts. Local business boost via tourism links: Haiti’s new direct air route between Newark and Cap-Haïtien is expected to lift visitor arrivals and spill over to hotels, restaurants, transport, handicrafts, and small services. SMB-friendly tech expansion: Vertus Group says it acquired a Mexico-based software company to establish local operations and pursue more vertical software deals. Working capital for Latin firms: Finacity upsized Sanfer’s trade receivables securitization in Mexico from MXN 950M to MXN 1.5B to expand across 26 countries. Community commerce: Queens’ Elmhurst Day spotlights local food and small businesses with self-guided “International Mile” walks and neighborhood events.

Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. proposes new forced-labor tariffs—10% on 16 partners (including Mexico) and 12.5% on 44 others—plus a separate push for 25% tariffs on Brazil, raising new cost and compliance pressure for importers and cross-border SMEs. Cross-Border Payments: XTransfer and BBVA signed an MoU to deepen cross-border payment infrastructure across Latin America and Europe, aiming to streamline FX, local payments, and faster onboarding for small and medium traders. SME Growth via Procurement: Nigeria’s BPP says affirmative procurement reforms are boosting SME participation in public contracts, designed to lower barriers for smaller firms. Local Business Impact: In Tucson, a vandalism suspect damaged cameras, lights, and vehicles at a Mexican restaurant—owners say it’s a major hit when business is already down. Argentina Construction Crunch: A report says Argentina’s construction sector is in deep crisis, dragging down jobs and suppliers and rippling into small businesses tied to housing demand. Tourism Toolkit for SMBs: Queens Chamber of Commerce launched a World Cup marketing toolkit so small shops can quickly customize posters and social promos to attract fans. Latin America Startup Funding: Uncover raised $16M to expand its marketing measurement platform across Latin America and the U.S., targeting brands and agencies with ongoing measurement needs. Mexico Retail Mobility: SOUEAST launched its S08 DM hybrid SUV in Mexico, using localized testing and tuning—another sign of continued investment in consumer-facing growth markets.

Procurement & SME Growth: Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement says its affirmative procurement push is boosting SME participation in public contracts, aiming to cut barriers for youth, women, and other vulnerable entrepreneurs. Trade Pressure on Business: The U.S. proposes new import tariffs (10%-12.5%) on about 60 trading partners over forced-labor concerns, and separately seeks 25% tariffs on Brazil, while also appealing a refund ruling tied to earlier tariff actions. Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: XTransfer and BBVA sign an MOU to improve FX conversion and cross-border payment infrastructure across Latin America and Europe, targeting faster onboarding and fewer settlement hurdles for trading SMEs. Fintech Expansion: OwlTing’s OwlPay gets an Ohio money transmitter license, extending its cross-border settlement network to 42 U.S. states. Tourism Measurement for Local Economies: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association calls for a broader tourism value framework, including “domestic capture” to track how much visitor spending stays in local businesses and jobs. Disaster Recovery for Small Firms: AshBritt highlights pre-positioned contracts and supplier engagement to help small businesses plug into disaster response and recovery work. Identity & Fraud Risk: Regula warns identity fraud is shifting toward deepfakes and AI agents that mimic trusted behavior, raising new risks for businesses. Business Growth in Latin America: Uncover raises $16M to expand its marketing measurement platform across Latin America and the U.S., backing always-on analytics for brands.

Peru Security Crunch for SMBs: AP reports extortion and killings are surging in Trujillo, with gangs increasingly targeting small businesses, market vendors and transport workers—fueling fear ahead of the presidential runoff. Brazil Productivity Push: Brazil’s “Brasil Mais Produtivo” could expand, with talks about adding repayable loans after the program’s non-reimbursable digitalization support for micro, small and midsize firms. Trade Tariff Shock for Regional Trade: The U.S. proposes new tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement, naming economies including Mexico and Argentina—raising cost risks for import-dependent SMEs. Digital Payments & SME Cross-Border Rails: XTransfer and BBVA sign an MoU to improve cross-border payments across Latin America and Europe, aiming to reduce FX and onboarding friction for trading SMEs. Bolivia Political Turmoil: Reuters says Bolivia’s defense minister resigned amid intensifying anti-government protests and austerity backlash—an unstable backdrop for local commerce. Peru Crime in the Spotlight: A second AP piece details how extortion payments can be routine for small market sellers, with little protection from authorities.

Peru Crime Crunch: Ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff, AP reports extortion and killings are surging in Trujillo and nationwide, with extortion complaints up fivefold over five years (nearly 29,000 in 2025) and murders more than doubling (2,226 in 2025), hitting small markets, transport workers, and vendors as gangs demand “protection” payments. Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: XTransfer and BBVA signed an MoU to deepen cross-border payment infrastructure across Latin America and Europe, aiming to speed FX conversion and settlement for trade-focused SMEs. Peru Business Tech Rollout: Nanox named Top Med as its exclusive distributor for Peru, planning an initial capex deployment of six Nanox.ARC systems for diagnostic imaging, with a pilot phase first. Digital Finance Push: Mixx and Hisense launched a Zanzibar campaign tied to FIFA excitement, rewarding customers for digital transactions with daily cash prizes and bigger draws. Local Growth in Fire Safety: Lakeland Fire + Safety announced follow-on orders across Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Guyana, and Panama for fire protection gear via competitive tenders.

Payments & Fintech: Clear Junction teamed with Coins.ph to expand European payment corridors, adding EUR/GBP rails and named virtual IBANs for cross-border remittances. SME & Local Markets: Dominica’s IICA is set to host an agricultural accountability seminar focused on how micro, small and medium agribusinesses can strengthen food security and rural jobs. Retail Tech for SMBs: Zoho launched Zoho POS aimed at independent retailers, with inventory, payments, and multi-location management plus integrations across Zoho’s business tools. Business Closures: Peter Chang Kitchen & Bar shut its College Park location after under a year, citing rising site costs. SMB Health & Food: Nevis’ Medical Benefits Scheme ran a pop-up health market promoting local food as “medicine,” featuring local vendors and a month-long “Eat Smart, Live Better” challenge. Latin America Business Growth: Ticketplus filed for a U.S. IPO, pitching its live-entertainment ticketing platform across 11 Latin American countries. Labor & Costs: Vale workers in Canada ratified a new deal with large wage gains and improved benefits—an indirect signal for operating cost pressures in the region.