Online event
From Bids to Business: Winning SME Opportunities in LATAC with the IDB
Tuesday 04 November at 3:00PM
Event endedLearn how to access procurement opportunities with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as a gateway into the Latin American and Caribbean market.
What you’ll learn
- Understand the structure and process of public procurement within the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
- Learn how to identify, access, and compete for procurement opportunities funded by the IDB.
- Gain insight into upcoming development projects and regional priorities across LATAC.
Description
The Latin American and Caribbean (LATAC) region offers significant opportunities for UK businesses, with large-scale development projects supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). For SMEs in particular, IDB-funded projects provide a transparent, predictable, and structured procurement environment, making them an excellent entry point into the market.
This webinar will give you a clear understanding of how procurement works at the IDB and how your business can compete effectively for opportunities. You will also hear about the current priorities shaping projects in the region, helping you align your offer with demand.
Designed specifically for SMEs, this session will provide practical insights into identifying, accessing, and navigating procurement opportunities.
Speakers
Francisco Estrázulas
Trade and Investment Lead Specialist, IDB
At the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Francisco focuses on two main areas: public sector lending for trade and investment facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and managing ConnectAmericas (CA), a platform that helps small businesses expand internationally.
On the lending side, Francisco designs and oversees projects aimed at digitalizing trade procedures, improving border logistics, and strengthening trade promotion agencies, collaborating closely with ministries and government institutions across the region.
In relation to CA, Francisco has been involved since its inception, contributing to all aspects of the platform’s development, including setting its vision, product design, business development, fundraising, marketing, and partner coordination. The platform connects over 700,000 users and 200,000 companies from 190 countries, providing access to business opportunities, training, and financing. Key partners include Google, META, Maersk, Mastercard, DHL, and more than 300 chambers and other business organizations.
Before joining the IDB, Francisco worked as a consultant on economic and regulatory issues in infrastructure projects across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Nebraska Villapol
Head of International Markets – Latin America & the Caribbean (LATAC), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Argentina
Nebraska leads the LATAC International Markets team within the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Export Support Service. Her team helps UK businesses unlock opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.
By connecting exporters with in-market experts, sector specialists, and UK-based teams, Nebraska ensures companies have the insight and support they need to win contracts, grow sales, and succeed in this dynamic region.