Supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Any successful economy stands on a solid basis consisting of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): i.e. enterprises comprising a number of employees ranging from a couple to a few hundred. In developing countries, SMEs are vital for generating economic growth, national and regional, and (not least) providing employment. To be competitive, SMEs require entrepreneurial thinking and leadership, expert knowledge (e.g. of relevant markets), together with sufficient financial and human resources. In addition, policy structures need to be established which serve to support SME growth.

We help to improve the structural and policy frameworks within which such enterprises can prosper. We support companies and institutions that shape the conditions under which SMEs operate and develop. Consequently, we offer of a variety of training opportunities designed to improve the quality of services available to small-scale entrepreneurs and thus increase their competitive potential.

By targeting our consultancies in the fields of technical and business economic advice, we help both secure existing employment and support the creation of new jobs. In other words, we target our efforts on the most effective means to fight poverty.