Small business

5.3 Specialised services
There are many models for the development of specialised services to SMEs provided directly by the
government or through private or NGO providers. International practice shows that there is no single best
programme. There are, for examples, numerous models of microfinance aimed at different target groups
in different countries – Annex 9 provides examples. 
Specialised services can refer to issues (finance, technology transfer, etc.), specific SME sectors (such
as arts and crafts) or areas/groups that would benefit from stimulating SME (depopulated areas,
disadvantaged youth, ethnic minority groups and women’s development). Developing economies
sometimes have ministries for craft and artisan services and product development, with specialist marketing
and even export services. Over the past decade associations and agencies aimed at supporting female
entrepreneurs have grown.  
EFFECTIVE POLICIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS - © OECD 2004
5. Development of Specialist Institutions
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The US Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) (an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce)
(http://www.CIPE.org) has published ‘Business Associations for the 21st Century’ which details the steps needed to build
specialist membership based organisations.  This is particularly targeted at practitioners from voluntary associations in
transition economies. In a case study it traces the development of a professional women’s association and of a manufacturing
association.

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Chapter 6.