CAINTRA Expands SME Financing in Nuevo Leon

Summary: CAINTRA is expanding financing, factoring and financial training for Nuevo León SMEs as the state’s manufacturing sector recovers, with 172 credit applications worth nearly MX$500 million already in process. The strategy, supported by Banregio, Santander and NAFIN’s Credicadenas program under Plan México, aims to strengthen SME working capital, supplier capabilities and integration into industrial supply chains as Nuevo León targets 4% industrial growth and up to 27,000 new jobs in 2026. 

The Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Nuevo Leon (CAINTRA) is expanding access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as industrial activity in the state shows signs of recovery. The organization is currently accompanying 172 credit applications worth almost MX$500 million and has launched a preferential factoring program for industrial suppliers.

The financing strategy seeks to help local SMEs become strategic suppliers for larger industrial companies by providing working capital to sustain operations, fulfill new orders and participate in expanding supply chains.

Jorge Santos, President of CAINTRA, said access to working capital allows SMEs to capitalize on sales opportunities while strengthening their participation in industrial value chains. The initiative comes as Nuevo Leon's industrial sector is expected to grow 4% in 2026 and generate up to 27,000 jobs. 

CAINTRA Supports MX$500 Million in Credit Applications

The financing program is being implemented as manufacturing activity recovers following a period marked by tariff uncertainty and challenging economic conditions. Early 2026 data points to increased orders, production and capacity utilization among companies in Nuevo Leon.

Against this backdrop, CAINTRA is working with Banregio and Santander to channel financing applications from local companies. The 172 operations currently in process represent almost MX$500 million. CAINTRA supports participating businesses throughout the application process, including the selection of financing alternatives and preparation of the required documentation.

The organization is also addressing short-term liquidity needs through an agreement with Nacional Financiera (NAFIN) under Plan Mexico. Through the Credicadenas program, SMEs that supply larger industrial companies can access factoring at preferential rates.

Under the arrangement, participating companies receive a rate one percentage point below the market rate. The first stage of the program covers 293 supplier companies, with CAINTRA targeting an expansion to more than 4,000 economic units.

The initiative responds to the financing requirements reported by SMEs. According to CAINTRA, 54.8% of SMEs requested credit during the past 12 months, while 56.6% used those resources for working capital. In addition, 83% of companies that receive a factoring offer choose to use it.

“We seek to have more anchor companies join so their suppliers can access liquidity under better conditions, strengthen their financial information and build a credit history that opens the door to other products,” Santos said.

CAINTRA expects to add two more banking institutions to its financing network ahead of Expo Pyme in September. The event will also seek to connect smaller suppliers with large buyers and expand their commercial opportunities within industrial supply chains. 

Manufacturing Supports Nuevo León's Industrial Recovery

The financing initiatives coincide with an improvement in the state's industrial outlook, particularly in manufacturing. CAINTRA expects Nuevo Leon's industrial sector to expand 4% in 2026, supported by stronger activity during the first quarter.

Manufacturing generated more than 17,000 jobs between January and March, a 45% increase compared with the same period in 2025. CAINTRA said the figures indicate a recovery in industrial activity and reinforce manufacturing's role in the state's employment and economic performance, reported MBN. 

Santos attributed the improved outlook to increases in orders, production and capacity utilization during the first quarter, particularly in March. The results point to renewed momentum after 2025, when tariff uncertainty and economic conditions affected companies, particularly SMEs.

“The results of the first quarter reflect a clear reactivation of industry in Nuevo Leon, with a direct impact on job creation,” Santos said. “The creation of more than 17,000 positions confirms the strength of the manufacturing sector and reaffirms the state's leadership at the national level.”

Employment data also highlights the role of manufacturing in the state's industrial base. According to data from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), manufacturing workers in Nuevo Leon earn an average salary 15% higher than the national average.

CAINTRA said companies have continued adapting to changing market conditions while maintaining production and expanding their workforces. The organization expects the recovery to continue as companies respond to higher demand and work to stabilize supply chains. 

Financial Training Targets 325 Mipymes

While financing can provide companies with liquidity, CAINTRA is also focusing on the financial capabilities required to obtain and manage credit. The organization is working with NAFIN on a training program designed to improve companies' financial management and preparedness when approaching financial institutions.

The program has delivered eight virtual workshops to nearly 600 participants from 325 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (Mipymes). Training has covered corporate governance, financial management and credit tools.

The courses are intended to help businesses strengthen their financial profiles, prepare documentation for financing applications and improve the management of borrowed resources. These capabilities can also support the development of credit histories that allow companies to access additional financial products over time.

The strategy forms part of a broader effort to strengthen local supply chains as companies seek to participate in industrial relocation and new manufacturing opportunities in Mexico.

“When micro, small and medium-sized enterprises become protagonists of relocation and industrial growth, employment, supply and the country's economic development are strengthened,” Santos said.

By combining credit access, factoring, financial training and connections with larger buyers, CAINTRA is positioning SME financing as a component of Nuevo Leon's industrial recovery. The approach seeks to address liquidity constraints while helping local suppliers meet the requirements of larger companies and participate in the state's manufacturing expansion.