Mexico City, September 12, 2026: Small businesses are an important source of employment and economic activity, but limited access to financing continues to make it difficult for many entrepreneurs to expand their operations.

A recent IFC Trendlines feature highlights how Mexican financial technology company Konfío is using data and artificial intelligence to help address this financing gap and provide more small businesses with access to credit.

Using Technology to Assess Small Businesses

Traditional lending systems can make it difficult for smaller companies to obtain financing, particularly when they have limited credit histories or lack the conventional documentation required by financial institutions.

Konfío is seeking to overcome some of these barriers by using data-driven technology to assess businesses and support lending decisions. Artificial intelligence can help financial providers process information more efficiently and identify patterns that may not be captured through conventional approaches.

This approach could make credit more accessible to entrepreneurs who have historically struggled to obtain financing.

Supporting Entrepreneurship

Access to appropriate financing can allow small businesses to invest in equipment, hire workers, manage cash flow and pursue new growth opportunities.

By combining financial services with technology, companies such as Konfío are exploring ways to make lending more responsive to the needs of smaller enterprises.

David Arana, featured in the latest IFC Trendlines discussion, explains how Konfío is applying data and AI to expand credit access and support entrepreneurship across Mexico.

Technology and Financial Inclusion

The initiative reflects a broader trend in financial services, where data analytics and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used to improve access to financial products.

For small businesses, easier access to credit can be particularly significant because financing constraints can limit their ability to survive, invest and create additional employment.

The IFC’s focus on Konfío illustrates how technological innovation can potentially connect more entrepreneurs with financial opportunities while helping build a more inclusive business environment in Mexico.

As digital financial services continue to evolve, the use of data and AI could become an increasingly important tool for expanding financing to businesses that have traditionally been underserved by conventional lenders.