SME Toolkit is a project of International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, that - in partnership with IBM - helps entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) all over the world to learn and implement sustainable business management practices and increase their productivity, efficiency, and capacity, as well as improve their access to finance and new markets.
Contents
Global Content
SME Toolkit consists of a large body of globally relevant free content for SMEs provided by content partners, and includes over 5,000 business forms, tools, how-to-articles, business software and advice about starting and growing a business. The areas covered include accounting, finance, human resources, international business, legal, insurance, marketing, sales, operations and technology. SME Toolkit collaborates with major global partners, including IBM, ICICI Bank, American Express, My Own Business, and Visa to offer users a large set of small business content, and a number of other services.
Local Content
In addition to global content, SME Toolkit local websites offer information on local business news, events, and regulations. Users can register and log in, find business partners, list in an online SME directory, create a hosted web page for their business, and participate in multilingual social networks on key business topics. IFC partners with key institutions in target local markets to manage, localize and distribute localized versions of the Toolkit.
Training Curriculum
The Toolkit also offers a business training curriculum on improving business management practices and overall business performance using computer-based tools. The workshops are available to business development service (BDS) providers and SMEs in key markets.
Multiple Delivery Platforms
A web interface allows users to search or browse to locate content. To enable increased dissemination and access in countries with limited computer access and Internet connectivity, SME Toolkit content is also offered on mobile platforms, in the form of a CD-ROM, and via text messages (SMS).
Distribution
SME Toolkit has been launched in 16 languages (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Mongolian, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamil, Indonesian Bahasa, Chinese, Vietnamese and Georgian) in more than 41 markets. SME Toolkit web sites receive more than 6.7 million users per year.