Alastair Churchward
• Examples • Small Shops (such as a bakery or butchers) • Hairdressers • Tradesmen (Electricians, Roofers, Plumbers, etc…) • Lawyers • Accountants • Restaurants • Guest Houses • Photographers • Small-scale Manufacturing • Online Business (such as web design and programming, etc…)
US
EU
Minute/Micro
1-6
<10
Small
<250
<50
Medium
<500
<250
• • • • • •
99% of employers in US and EU Stimulate local economy by doing business with other local SMEs Local SMEs tend to supply local products Preserve the uniqueness of community Owners know their clients which builds a sense of community New ideas and technology
• • • • • •
Weak Strategic Planning Lack of access information Lack of access to capital Competition Cost control Building customer base
• Example • Doraville, Georgia • Local government changed commercial zoning laws with out consulting businesses • Diverse business owners came together to address issueMarket owners, shopping center owners, car dealerships, real estate owners, local bank • Worked with local government to modify zoning laws • Currently host networking events, created a dining and shopping guide for the City, and designed an annual celebration of the City
• Formed by members from the local business community to: • share information • discuss challenges • promote shared interests • create long term plan for local economic development • communicate with local government
• Access to information • Assistance with applications and forms • Resources for your business • Planning information • Communicate problems or issues
• European Enterprise Network • • • • • • •
Small Business Act for Europe Improving the business environment Promoting Entrepreneurship Access to markets Facts and figures Good practices in SME policy Public consultation
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/ sme/index_en.htm
• Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development • • • • • •
Key implementing partner for USAID Entrepreneurial Training Growth Program Access to Finance Training Program Develop New Markets Training Program CEED Network Consulting
http://www.en.ceedmacedonia.org/web /default.aspx
• Economic Chamber of Macedonia • • • •
Information Links to Trade Associations Business Offers and Demands Online Services
http://www.mchamber.org.mk
• Western Balkan SME Platform • In the process of being approved • €141 million • The Platform will have two funds: one for private equity and another for venture capital. There will be also a guarantee facility and a technical cooperation facility.
http://www.ebrd.com
• Foundation for Management & Industrial Research • • • •
Economic development Environment Research and innovations Society
http://www.mir.org.mk/
• European Commission Leader+ Program • Designed to help rural actors consider the long-term potential of their local region. • Encouraging the implementation of integrated, high-quality and original strategies for sustainable development • Partnership and networks of exchange of experience • Project Database with program information and contact details
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rur/lead erplus/index_en.htm