Bidding platforms for suppliers have helped SMEs during the pandemic. According to a survey conducted by the Eurochile Business Foundation, 81% of SMEs had their business affected by the effects of Covid-19. According to the Ministry of Economy, these SMEs account for 70% of the market and generate two out of every three jobs, which translates into more than 5.3 million jobs.
Under this scenario, many suppliers had to look for different solutions and solutions to avoid affecting their business or, in the worst case scenario, going bankrupt.
«Una una gran parte de las pymes tuvo que buscar nuevos mecanismos y herramientas para sobrevivir la emergencia sanitaria. Afortunadamente nuestra plataforma de licitaciones se transformó en una nueva vitrina para estas pymes puedan continuar dando a conocer su oferta. También los ayudamos a acceder a la demanda de grandes compañías sin costos de entrada», señaló el cofundador de Wherex, Felipe Manterola.
About the bids
More than 40% of these awards through this digital procurement and bidding platform went to SMEs.
In this regard, Manterola indicated that "during 2020, more than 3,000 SMEs participated in various requirements of larger companies in industries such as aquaculture, fruit, construction, mining, etc. This corresponds to 25% more than those that participated during the whole of last year".
The amount awarded by the SMEs reached more than $MM41. Hardware products and operating equipment, as well as manufacturing and installation services, were the most important items.
Wherex ha preocupado de apoyar a las pequeñas y medianas empresas como parte de sus políticas de sostenibilidad. La empresa cuenta con un «Sello Pyme», que permite que las compañías compradoras puedan reconocer a las pequeñas y medianas empresas y saber qué licitaciones les fueron adjudicadas a este tipo de proveedores.
"This seal allows purchasing companies to have a report where they can review how they help SMEs with their bids. On the other hand, the SMEs provide them with greater opportunities to bid on the demand for inputs and services," concluded Felipe Manterola.
