Small business

6.1 Information and advice
Objective: To bridge the information gap that places SMEs at a disadvantage compared with their larger
counterparts. 
In almost every country, there are official mechanisms designed to improve access to information for small
business. This can take the form of a national database made available to business associations as well as
official advisory services covering regulation, particularly tax, company registration and property. Such data
bases also frequently cover ‘how to’ advice, for example about exporting, licensing and so on, as well as
information on business support programmes and incentives (see also Annex  9). Services frequently
extend to the provision of business-to-business contact. 
EFFECTIVE POLICIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS - © OECD 2004
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One specific support service for SME with a wide reach is the network of Subcontracting and Partnership Exchanges (SPXs)
supported by UNIDO. These act as centres for technical information, match making and promotion as well clearing houses
for subcontracting and partnership enquiries and opportunities. Members and associate members of the SPX network are
found in many transition economies.
One key to success is an approach as used in the ‘Yellow Pages’, providing simple, precise information
focused on solving specific problems and giving access to specific opportunities. The service should in
addition be able to refer customers to private and specialist sources of help. Effective local ‘know who’ is
therefore another prerequisite for success. Facilitating exchanges of experience between entrepreneurs is
one of the most (cost) effective ways of providing information services.