July 2007, International Finance Corporation (IFC), IBM
IBM and IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank, launched a new version of a free small business toolkit specifically for small business owners in emerging markets as well as women, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian entrepreneurs in the U.S., to receive highly developed business information, tools, and training services usually reserved for Fortune 1000 companies.
While small businesses generated between 60 to 80 percent of the new jobs annually in the U.S. over the past decade, they are often hurt by the lack of skills, knowledge and access to the information that larger businesses routinely use to grow and succeed. The same applies to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the developing world who also find that access to best practice and business management tools is a significant barrier to their growth and sustainability.
The SME Toolkit (www.smetoolkit.org) is a free program that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement the sustainable business management practices needed for growth in areas such as finance, accounting, international business, marketing, human resources or legal.
In the U.S., the SME Toolkit will focus largely on women and constituent-owned businesses. Globally, the IFC has joined with local partners to launch the Toolkit in more than 13 languages in 24 countries, all of which can now take advantage of the new enhanced version.
Among the specially designed free tools are:
- an online calculator that helps small businesses determine their readiness for financing,
- free software to build a web site,
- free business forms used for employee performance evaluations
- community tools such as online conferencing, blog capability, group calendars,
- survey and quiz builders to help small businesses make decisions, and
- a multilingual business directory to help small businesses link locally, regionally and globally
Small businesses can also receive business training delivered via classroom workshops and partnerships with local support providers. The Toolkit can also help small businesses go global by providing detailed market access, investment and trade information for the 64 countries most exported to countries.
To visit SME Toolkit website go to www.smetoolkit.org.
