A. M. 
The new “Mi Tienda” financing line, launched as part of the strategy to support neighborhood stores, aims to empower thousands of entrepreneurs by providing access to up to US$10,000 in capital, with approval within 72 hours. The initiative seeks to consolidate an economic recovery that, in several communities across the country, has already seen over 100% growth in commercial activity.
The program is supported by the Comisión Nacional de la Micro y Pequeña Empresa (CONAMYPE)and implemented in partnership with the Banco de Fomento Agropecuario (BFA), facilitating formal financing for neighborhood store owners who have historically had limited access to bank credit.
Access to capital to strengthen inventory and sales
The president of CONAMYPE, Paul Steiner, explained that one of the main challenges for neighborhood stores is stockouts, which affect their ability to serve customers and reduce working capital.
The “Mi Tienda”program is designed precisely to solve this problem, allowing merchants to restock in a timely manner, expand their product offerings, and improve their revenue.
A sector that generates US$5 billion annually
The potential impact of this financing is significant. According to data presented, the census completed in 2023 identified almost 60,000 neighborhood stores and businesses, a 25% increase compared to 2018.
Estas tiendas generan aproximadamente US$3,000 millones en ventas anuales, a lo que se suman otros US$2,000 millones en ventas de distribuidoras, conformando un canal comercial valorado en US$5,000 millones al año.
Accelerated growth in communities
Strengthened security and access to financing have contributed to notable increases in the number of retail entrepreneurs in various areas:
• Apopa (Popotlán and Valle Verde): 375% more retailers.
• Soyapango (San Ramón and La Campanera): 193% growth.
• Colón (Lourdes and surrounding areas): 115% more entrepreneurs.
These percentages reflect an economic recovery exceeding 100% in several communities, where local commerce has expanded steadily.
More than just credit: modernization and training
In addition to access to financing, the strategy includes promoting technologies to facilitate digital payments and business training programs. Authorities emphasize that access to formal credit reduces dependence on informal lenders and allows for more orderly and sustainable growth.
With the “Mi Tienda”program, the government aims to consolidate neighborhood stores as a pillar of local economic development, strengthening income generation, formalization, and the revitalization of communities throughout the country.
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