The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) introduced the platform “ConnectAmericas“, a social network that aims to connect companies so that they do business and get resources. In other words, the goal is to connect, strengthen and develop small and medium enterprises (SME) throughout the continent.

Introducing ConnectAmericas to Colombian businessmen was possible thanks to the support of Google, the Colombian Chamber of Trade, DHL and Visa.

ConnectAmericas was launched in March 2014, and has already gotten 250.000 visitors and 30.000 registered users.

A major goal of the platform is to develop connectivity, encouraging companies to seek opportunities and do business. Connectivity is key in a region where 90% of companies are SME, but where only 19% of commercial exchanges are developed among Latin American countries. A very small number, particularly when compared to other continents, such as Asia and Europe, where percentages go up to 40% and 60% respectively.

The IADB expects the platform to reach 100.000 registered users by the end of 2015 and to bring in large companies interested in doing business with SME.