Training, Innovation, and Business Strategy Strengthen Guanajuato SMEs for the U.S. Market
With their sights set on the United States market, 11 companies distinguished with the “Marca Guanajuato” seal successfully completed the “SME Business Challenge,” a process that strengthened their ability to compete internationally before participating in the “Texas Restaurant Show 2026,” considered one of the most important business events for the restaurant industry in North America.
As part of the Export Without Borders program, the Government of Guanajuato, through the Ministry of Economy and COFOCE, concluded a new edition of the SME Business Challenge, an initiative promoted by Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo that encourages the professional development of MSMEs, strengthens their competitiveness, and provides them with the tools to expand their business opportunities beyond national borders.
During the event, the participating companies presented their products, business models, and marketing strategies before a panel of specialists in exports, innovation, and business development.
The experts evaluated each project and shared recommendations aimed at strengthening their value proposition, optimizing their commercial processes, and increasing their chances of success in international markets.
Next Stop: Texas
The eleven companies will travel to San Antonio, Texas, from July 11 to 13 to participate in the Texas Restaurant Show, where they will have the opportunity to establish business relationships, learn about the latest trends shaping the food industry, and explore new business opportunities with international buyers and distributors.
The Secretary of Economy, Claudia Cristina Villaseñor Aguilar, emphasized that comprehensive preparation is a decisive factor in enabling MSMEs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by global trade.
She noted that access to international markets depends not only on having high-quality products but also on building companies capable of learning, innovating, and constantly evolving.
She added that every training process strengthens their ability to compete, grow, and showcase Guanajuato’s talent on the international stage.
As part of the program, the companies received specialized training in international promotion, commercial tools, preparation for business meetings, and strengthening their value strategies, with the goal of arriving better prepared for negotiations with foreign buyers.
Talent That Crosses Borders
COFOCE General Director Luis Antonio Vargas Zavala highlighted that the program brings together family-owned businesses with a solid track record, as well as companies that preserve Guanajuato’s culinary traditions while demonstrating that they can compete in any market worldwide.
He pointed out that this edition includes companies from the municipalities of Yuriria, Salamanca, Celaya, Apaseo el Grande, Dolores Hidalgo, Irapuato, and León, reflecting the state’s productive potential and entrepreneurial talent.
He added that one of COFOCE’s main objectives is to encourage more micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to begin exporting, in line with the state government’s vision of placing people at the center of economic development.
Eleven Companies Represent Guanajuato
The fourth edition of the SME Business Challenge features Los Rojas, Tostadas Fanny, La Tradicional de Salgado, Nature In, Productos Rolinjers, Proteymar, Tashi, Tika Corazón, La Gacela Uniformes, and Borsse, all distinguished with the “Marca Guanajuato” seal. These companies will seek to position their products and expand their commercial presence in the U.S. market.
The Texas Restaurant Show represents a strategic platform to promote the state’s products, generate new business contacts, and strengthen the presence of Guanajuato companies in one of North America’s most important markets.
Through initiatives such as the SME Business Challenge, the Ministry of Economy and COFOCE continue to strengthen the professional development, competitiveness, and internationalization of local businesses, creating better conditions for more companies to expand their growth opportunities through exports.
Authorities in Attendance
The event was attended by Michel Sojo Quiroz, President of COPARMEX Metropolitan Zone of León; Gerardo Martínez, President of the COPARMEX Innovation Commission; Luis Rodrigo González de Alba, President of the Entrepreneurship Commission; Manuel Montes Bertín, Director of DHL; Luis Antonio Vargas Zavala, General Director of COFOCE; and Salomón Ceballos Ochoa, General Director of IECA.
Also present were Deputy Secretaries Luis Andrés Álvarez Aranda, for Employment and Workforce Training; Alejandro Hernández Fonseca, for Investment Attraction; and Raúl Fabricio Ibarra Rocha, for MSME Development.
Source: reporteindigo
