Clara, Google Ally to Further SME Digitization

Business expense management platform Clara and Google announced an alliance to promote digitalization among SMEs, allowing them to boost sales channels through technological tools and easily accessible financial products. As SMEs lack access to digital tools that allow them to grow their operations, their digitization path is less fruitful in increasing sales. 

"As of today, Clara's clients will be able to access tools that enable the digitalization and growth of their businesses through financing products," said Clara in a press release. According to data from the Mexican Association of Online Sales, 48 percent of SMEs started digital channels after the pandemic to increase their online sales. However, this process has been a challenge for companies, given they often lack access to the digital tools that would allow them to grow their operations. 

To address this problem, Google will make financing solutions and business expense management tools such as Clara available to startups and SMEs. Among the benefits of this alliance are an MX$5,000 (US$249.40) welcome bonus for new customers, cashback and rewards. 

In a survey of leaders, KPMG found that companies are increasingly focusing on finding the customer wherever they are, as organizations have stopped surviving and started growing. They are also well aware that focusing on users is a clear competitive advantage. Companies are also focusing on creating an empowered and connected workforce. To achieve digital agility, six out of ten executives recognize digital transformation as part of a defined long-term strategy. While 45 percent of them apply it to the entire company, 32 percent are focusing on a specific country or region. 

New ways of working, characterized by agility and investment plans, must adapt to new competitive threats and disruptive events. The pandemic has forced individuals and companies to re-evaluate what is important. KPMG found that 37 percent of those surveyed say they are "rebalancing" priorities. The purpose of organizations has taken a new importance, as consumers are increasingly concerned about issues such as equality, diversity, small carbon footprints, waste reduction and ethical business practices.