From a company that is just beginning to establish itself to a brand capable of competing in Mexico and abroad—that is the goal of “Mi Primer Millón”, a new business acceleration program promoted by the Government of Jalisco through the Secretariat of Economic Development (SEDECO). The initiative seeks to identify and support businesses with the potential to become larger-scale companies.
The program offers a 1.5 million peso fund in direct subsidies, distributed among the top three places: 1 million pesos for first place, 300,000 pesos for second place, and 200,000 pesos for third place.
Beyond the financial prize, the program provides a business support pathway designed to help selected companies professionalize their operations, strengthen their business models, and gain access to investment opportunities, retail and supermarket chains, and export markets.
What does “Mi Primer Millón” seek to achieve for companies in Jalisco?
The initiative responds to a specific need: helping Jalisco companies that have already validated their products and moved beyond the early stages of commercialization take the next step.
The call is aimed at 30 companies that have moved past their initial commercialization stage and have the conditions necessary to accelerate their growth.
The program seeks to prepare them to access:
- New supermarket and retail chains.
- Private investment.
- Larger-scale national markets.
- Export opportunities.
- Business professionalization processes.
- Mentoring and specialized support networks.
- International markets, particularly the United States and Canada.
In this way, the program aims to address one of the main challenges faced by MSMEs: moving from having a commercially viable product to developing a business structure capable of sustaining rapid growth.
How much money will the winning companies receive?
The financial incentive will be distributed among the three highest-ranked companies:
| Place | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| First place | $1,000,000 |
| Second place | $300,000 |
| Third place | $200,000 |
| Total fund | $1,500,000 |
The funding represents one component of a broader strategy that also includes mentoring and business support, with both national and international guidance.
The goal is for the capital to serve as an accelerator for companies that already have a commercial foundation and significant opportunities to expand their markets.
From a local company to an export brand in Jalisco
The program presents a vision that goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship. Its purpose is to identify businesses that already have products and customers but need to strengthen their processes in order to compete in larger markets.
Its objectives include professionalizing operations, strengthening business models, and preparing companies to negotiate with major buyers.
The possibility of entering supermarket and retail chains is particularly important because it represents a significant change in scale for participating companies. It requires greater production volumes, logistical capacity, quality standards, regulatory compliance, and a financial structure capable of responding to increased demand.
The program also has an export-oriented perspective, with the United States and Canada identified as priority markets.
What types of companies can participate in Jalisco?
The call includes companies from sectors with opportunities for commercial growth and expansion, including:
- Processed foods and beverages
- Health and wellness
- Snacks
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Pet products and food
- Dietary supplements
- Household products
The common factor is that these are products with the potential to scale their commercialization and build brands beyond their original markets.
The goal: turning MSMEs into engines of growth
During the launch, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro highlighted the potential of the state’s entrepreneurial talent and the importance of strengthening micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises so they can become larger companies.
The strategy seeks to help businesses currently operating with relatively small teams increase their production capacity, create jobs, and eventually become exporters.
“Mi Primer Millón” is therefore presented as a tool for reducing the gap between having a good idea and building a scalable company.
The initiative also seeks to connect companies with investment opportunities, including angel investors, so that public funding can later be complemented by private capital.
Jalisco seeks to expand its base of exporting companies
The international component of the program is particularly relevant within a state economy characterized by a broad industrial, technological, agribusiness, and services base.
For the selected companies, reaching the United States and Canada will depend on more than simply having a competitive product. They will also need to develop capabilities related to marketing, logistics, financing, regulatory compliance, and market strategy.
For this reason, mentoring is one of the central components of “Mi Primer Millón.” The objective is to accompany companies as they prepare to compete in larger-scale markets.
The initiative seeks to ensure that growth is not limited to increasing sales, but also enables companies to build brands with the capacity for long-term sustainability and expansion.
What does “Mi Primer Millón” represent for companies in Jalisco?
The program is based on a simple premise: Jalisco has businesses that have already demonstrated that their products can sell, but they need capital, knowledge, and connections to reach the next level.
With 30 participating companies and 1.5 million pesos in subsidies, the program focuses on businesses at an intermediate stage: they have already moved beyond the initial phase but still have considerable room for growth.
The real challenge will be turning that potential into sustainable growth, jobs, greater presence in commercial chains, and eventually exports.
Through “Mi Primer Millón,” the Government of Jalisco aims to accelerate that process and transform local companies into brands capable of competing first in Mexico and later in international markets.
Source: liderempresarial
