Argentina Guarantees System Drives 122% SME Loan Growth in 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in various global economies, with targeted programs and government stimulus measures aiming to boost their growth and financing access. In Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank supports women-owned small businesses through initiatives like the WE by Rising Tide program, which offers business acceleration and networking opportunities. The British Business Bank's Debt Funds programme has successfully increased access to private debt finance for UK SMEs, leading to accelerated growth and job creation, while achieving encouraging financial returns. Thailand's upcoming economic stimulus is expected to significantly boost SME confidence and loan demand, particularly in tourism, manufacturing, and construction sectors, contributing to regional economic recovery. In Latin America, Argentina stands out for a remarkable 122% increase in guarantee balances, attributed to strengthened local guarantee funds that facilitate better credit conditions for SMEs, supporting liquidity and productive credit. These diverse efforts underscore the critical importance of financial support systems and policy measures in fostering SME resilience and expansion worldwide.