Design of a Crowdlending System for SMEs Based on Smart Contract in Metropolitan Lima

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for economic growth and job creation, especially in developing economies. In Metropolitan Lima, SMEs face obstacles in accessing traditional financing due to stringent requirements, lengthy processes, and high interest rates. To address this, we propose a blockchain-based crowdlending system using smart contracts to facilitate secure, transparent, and efficient financing for SMEs. This system eliminates intermediaries and inefficiencies of traditional banking, allowing SMEs to access capital from a wider pool of investors on more favorable terms. Smart contracts automate and streamline the lending process, ensuring transaction transparency and immutability, which fosters trust among borrowers, lenders, and stakeholders. The decentralized nature of blockchain reduces transaction costs and simplifies processes. Our extensive user validation with SMEs and potential investors in Metropolitan Lima showed a 99% compliance rate on key indicators, including transaction completion, user satisfaction, and perceived security. This innovative system has the potential to transform SME financing in Metropolitan Lima, empowering SMEs to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster a more inclusive financial ecosystem.