Strategic Business Partnerships for Growth in Africa (SBP)
The Small Business Project has established a corporate SME development program known as the Private Sector Initiative. Its objective is to develop and expand the role of the corporate sector in small business development and economic regeneration. Driven by the private sector, it was launched in response to the economic pressures facing South Africa. The initiative provides a vehicle for corporations involved in small business promotion and business-led local economic development initiatives to work collectively and in partnership with donor associations and other stakeholders.
SBP helps the corporate sector and small businesses to work together profitably. Its programs are designed to encourage the corporate sector to use small and medium-sized enterprises in a way that contributes to economic growth. Methods of engagement with the corporate sector used in PSI projects include: Linking large and small firms-Business Linkage Program; Building skills in SMEs-Business Development Systems; Building capacity in rural areas-Rural Economic Development Initiative; Developing innovative approaches - Research and Development Program.
SBP improves the legal and regulatory environment for the small business sector. Through its Legal & Economic Research Program it provides a comprehensive view on how laws impede the growth of SMEs in South Africa. SBP's research reports are used by policy-makers, legislators and other stakeholders.
