Smart Credit: A Solution to Boost Small and Medium Enterprises

The economy of a nation depends on more than just a single industry or commercial sector. To remain strong, it is essential that the entire ecosystem of companies forming the production chains is robust. For this, it is crucial that these organizations have the necessary tools and services, especially effective financial management, which becomes a driving force for a society's economy. Among the various solutions, credit stands out as one of the pillars for strengthening this process.

A recent survey conducted by Serasa Experian analyzed the link between access to credit and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The results show that this market is expanding in Brazil, with 89% of SMEs believing that their credit applications would be approved if they were to apply.

Despite this, access to credit still faces obstacles, especially for smaller businesses. "Excessive bureaucracy, high interest rates, and the lack of consistent guarantees are the main factors that hinder access to credit, contributing to the high level of indebtedness, especially among SMEs," says Edson Silva, president of Grupo Neexxes.

Production Chain: The Interdependence Between Companies

As mentioned, no company operates in isolation. Each is part of an ecosystem composed of other companies and even individuals, who buy and sell. The concept is simple: everyone depends on strong, competitive, and reliable suppliers to manufacture their products, and they also need customers with financial health for their businesses to thrive. The main challenge of the market is to meet delivery deadlines while receiving payment on the correct dates, which directly impacts cash flow.

According to the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), production chains are composed of a complex network of companies of different sizes, with the largest companies often playing a central role. Keeping this network efficient is crucial to ensure the financial stability of all parties involved. When the system is well-structured, one company can drive another, as businesses with solid suppliers and good financial health have greater operational capacity, timely deliveries, and consistent products.

However, in a market that involves large sums of money, keeping financial commitments up to date is not a simple task. According to Silva, the bureaucracy in accessing credit "directly affects production chains, where companies need to meet deadlines, but the partner does not always have the necessary amount available on the correct date to continue production or expand its purchasing capacity."

Smart Credit as an Ally of Suppliers and Customers

Silva reinforces that a well-structured and sustainable supply chain "helps to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, increase competitiveness and the quality of products and services, as well as reduce production costs and the risks of supply interruption."

Good financial and cash flow management can provide the necessary flexibility for companies to face occasional difficulties and fulfill their contracts with suppliers and customers. Credit, in this scenario, is a great ally. According to the Serasa study, in the last two years, 53% of SMEs resorted to some type of credit, with loans and receivables anticipation being the most sought options.

Although the numbers show a positive trend, 47% of companies did not request any credit product in the same period. This did not happen because they did not need it, but because they could not obtain it. According to the survey, 51% of respondents complained about the high interest rates charged by loans, while 26% faced difficulties with the guarantees requirements from financial institutions.

These data highlight the need for more flexible and intelligent credit lines that consider factors beyond conventional criteria. One example is trade credit, used by suppliers, guaranteed by orders received and their customers' registration. According to another Serasa study, trade credit grew 39.2% in 2022, representing a significant portion of the total credit taken.

Silva explains that the concept of smart credit is simple: it is a strategy that monitors cash flow and the capacity to take and repay credit, tested in various production chains and that moves more than R$ 20 billion per year, with growth rates of two to three digits in some sectors.

"The anticipation of receivables or the adjustment of payment to the best date for the buyer, anchored in credit, are some of the facilities that this new model offers," explains Silva. It is an intelligent use of data and technology in favor of the economy, providing more credit with less risk, less bureaucracy, and better rates.