Mercado Libre Launches CLIC, a Free AI-Powered Platform for SMEs

Mercado Libre has just launched CLIC, a free platform designed to help SMEs and entrepreneurs learn to sell online, supported by artificial intelligence tools. This initiative, kicking off in Argentina and Mexico, seeks to bridge the digital divide and boost the businesses of thousands of families across Latin America, as announced by the company.

Guadalupe Marín, Mercado Libre's Director of Sustainability, explained the motivation behind this project to LA NACION. "We realized that e-commerce, while seemingly simple, is not that easy when it comes to selling, nor that simple to understand in certain segments," she stated. CLIC offers a guided path for businesses to make the most of the digital channel.

"At the end of the day, we want to empower SMEs, build a commercial channel that allows them to develop their business and generate income for families," explained Guadalupe Marín, Mercado Libre's Director of Sustainability, to LA NACION.

Currently, over 300,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs already sell through Mercado Libre, and for an impressive 49% of them, the platform is their primary source of income. This data underscores the importance of initiatives like CLIC for the regional economy, especially in a context where digitalization in Latin America still has "much to build" compared to more developed countries, according to Marín.

The CLIC program is carried out in collaboration with FIBO, a social organization with extensive experience in cooperatives and previous collaborations with Mercado Libre. FIBO is responsible for content facilitation and participant follow-up, ensuring close support throughout the learning and acceleration process.

The tool provides a personalized business diagnosis, offering a roadmap with practical recommendations to improve digital and commercial strategy. The best part is that no prior knowledge is required; participants can train from scratch, making the program accessible to any entrepreneur eager to grow.

The first stage of the program consists of six asynchronous practical modules, totaling approximately five hours. These modules are designed to cover the essential fundamentals of e-commerce, from how to create effective listings to improving commercial strategy and starting to operate within the Mercado Libre platform.

For those who complete the initial phase, there is a more intensive second stage: a six-week "acceleration" program. This advanced program is designed for a select group of between 30 and 40 organizations. It includes group mentorship directly from Mercado Libre, access to more advanced content, open masterclasses, and the opportunity to join the CLIC Community, a space for peer-to-peer exchange and collaboration.

A key aspect of CLIC is its focus on accessibility. Marín emphasized that the target audience is "a public that can digitalize with a cell phone in hand," which makes it easier for the program to be completed autonomously. Furthermore, the platform integrates various artificial intelligence tools, including an AI assistant, to support users throughout their journey and simplify complex tasks.

While CLIC is initially launching in Argentina and Mexico, Mercado Libre's ambitious plan is to introduce it soon in Brazil and, in the long term, scale it "worldwide." This global vision demonstrates the company's commitment to democratizing e-commerce and leveraging technology for large-scale economic development.