Más Comercio provided export tools to the northern coast

The Más Comercio program continues to strengthen its presence in the interior of the country with new events in Salto and Paysandú, where dozens of startups and small businesses participated in workshops and mentoring sessions aimed at advancing their internationalization efforts. The activities, organized by Uruguay XXI in partnership with public and private institutions, combined training, personalized advice, and networking opportunities to provide concrete tools to companies with export potential.

In both departments, the events brought together startups from various sectors—ranging from design and leather goods to technology, agribusiness, and aviation services—interested in exploring international markets and accessing support programs.

Claudia Peisino, the leader of Más Comercio and a project specialist at Uruguay XXI, emphasized that the program’s goal is to bring real opportunities to companies that often view exporting as something distant or reserved for large industries. “Companies that export are more productive, generate more innovation and jobs, and have a longer lifespan. That’s why we want more companies from the interior to take that step,” she noted during the activities.

Peisino also noted that the competitive edge of many Uruguayan MSMEs lies not in volume or price, but in the quality, innovation, and identity of their products. “We’re not talking about large quantities, but about products with a story, with added value, and with specific niches where they can position themselves,” she explained.

In both departments, the program placed special emphasis on the strategic potential of their proximity to Argentina and Brazil, as well as on the importance of leveraging the available institutional ecosystem to support companies. Representatives from Uruguay XXI, ANDE, LATU, INEFOP, MYPE Exporta, Dinapyme, the Uruguayan Postal Service, Banco República, shopping centers, and departmental governments participated in the event.

“Exporting is a process and takes time, but it’s not difficult. There are free tools, programs, and support available to assist companies,” stated Peisino, who also highlighted the program’s specific work with women-led startups and small-scale producers with the potential to reach specific markets.

Personalized mentoring sessions were among the most valued aspects for participating companies. Marcelo Gossi and Yarena Cabrera, from the company La Heroica, which produces alfalfa pellets, noted that the program allowed them to map out their next steps to meet the challenge of exporting. “We didn’t know where to start and needed support. With the tools they gave us, we can position ourselves as exporters,” they said.

From the service sector, Victoria Blanc, of Aircraft Repair Station and Papa Charlie—both linked to Paysandú Airport—highlighted the value of direct dialogue with institutions. “It’s pretty unprecedented to have this in Paysandú. The fact that all these organizations sit down to listen to us and seek solutions is truly the starting point for many opportunities we need to grow in the regional market,” she stated.

Creative and design startups also participated, such as the handbag brand Carolina Rivero UY. Its founder particularly valued the workshop’s practical approach and the mentoring sessions. “It opened our minds to so many things, and we’re leaving with a wealth of information to continue growing and promoting the brand abroad,” she noted.

In Salto, the experience of companies that have already begun their export journey also served as inspiration for new ventures. Luciana, a member of the design firm Mandinga, shared how the sustained support from Uruguay XXI was key to securing their first international sales. “The process was gradual. First came the training and mentoring, then the support to open markets and participate in international trade shows. All of that helped us tremendously,” she said.

For his part, Juan Pablo Roy, founder of Metricagro, a company dedicated to agricultural telemetry, highlighted the importance of bringing together all institutions linked to the export ecosystem at the same table. “It allowed us to understand who to talk to, what tools are available, and how to keep moving forward. That direct contact is worth a great deal,” he said.

The program will continue its national tour in the coming months with events in Colonia on May 20, in Rivera and Cerro Largo, as well as other departments to be confirmed shortly. With this new edition, Más Comercio reaffirms its commitment to bringing internationalization opportunities to companies across the country and continuing to drive export growth from the ground up.

Register here for Más Comercio Colonia

May 20 | 6:30 p.m.