MEXICO CITY – The Mexican government has set a new goal to digitize another million micro and small enterprises (mipymes), an initiative aimed at expanding sales opportunities and reducing the economic disadvantage faced by small businesses that still rely exclusively on cash and traditional sales channels.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced the plan on Tuesday, October 27, during the signing of an agreement with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). According to Ebrard, approximately one million small establishments have already integrated into digitalization processes, and the next phase seeks to add an equal number of businesses to the digital economy.

The initiative follows the Senate’s recent approval of the Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments. This legislation seeks to promote the use of cards, transfers, and other electronic mechanisms for purchasing goods, services, and processing government procedures. It also aims to facilitate the digital contracting of financial products through identification mechanisms, such as the Digital CURP.

Closing the Digital Divide

The Ministry of Economy highlights that digital tools are essential for small businesses to compete in an increasingly online market. Currently, small businesses represent less than 10% of sales conducted through digital platforms. Ebrard compared the urgency of this transformation to the historical expansion of electricity in Mexico, noting its potential to fundamentally alter economic activity.

While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-commerce, many small businesses have yet to implement the tools necessary to sell and collect payments digitally. By adopting electronic payment systems, these merchants can accept payments from customers who do not carry cash, streamline remote orders, and reach a broader customer base.

Boosting “El Buen Fin” 2026

In a related move to stimulate immediate consumption, the agreement with the CFE will also serve to promote “El Buen Fin” 2026. The annual shopping event, scheduled for November 13–17, will be advertised on more than 50 million electricity bills to encourage shopping at formal establishments, specifically targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes).

The promotion will include training, access to financing, and supply chain links. Additionally, the Federal Consumer Attorney’s Office (Profeco) will participate in activities designed to promote responsible purchasing and prevent commercial abuses.

For interested business owners, the official registration for “El Buen Fin” 2026 remains open until November 12. The government’s overarching challenge remains turning digitalization into increased sales by providing small businesses with accessible tools and a stable regulatory environment.