Public policies and financing for Mexican SMEs in the face of the Covid19 pandemic

Abstract

Background and objectives: This article is focused on understanding the impact of public policies on Small and Medium Enterprises, especially in terms of financial support in the face of the crisis caused by the Covid19 pandemic. To this end, the hypothesis is presented that this support was not sufficient to restore the performance of these companies. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive statistics methods are used based on statistics, censuses, and official government surveys, as well as analysis of national public policies in the region. Findings: The results converge with the theoretical approach on the endogenous limitations of Small and Medium Enterprises to access bank funding. Prior to the pandemic, there was a low level of access to such funding, which over time generated companies with deteriorated financial structures vulnerable to crises. The policies have not generated a more fluid relationship between companies and funding from formal financial institutions, generating a strong bond with suppliers. Conclusion: The policies that were implemented were palliative, in the context of the crisis; however, the problem of the fragility of these companies persists, which requires directing policies to strengthen them considering their fundamental contribution to the country's business structure.