Read SPARK’s Survey on SME Development

This publication contains survey results implemented by SPARK in the summer of 2013. The rationale behind this survey was to learn more about the effectiveness of SPARK’s Small and Medium Enterprise interventions. The survey interviews were conducted with almost 900 business owners that have been assisted through one of many SPARK programmes in 9 project countries since 2006. The survey proved that businesses that receive SPARK support, generally do well in terms of profitability and job creation.

These businesses also reported positive change in sales after involvement with SPARK. It turns out that existing businesses are better at creating jobs than start-ups; however start-ups do show growth over time. Businesses led by young people create less jobs on average than other businesses. Recent SPARK programmes have been doing better at reaching youth and women, two important vulnerable groups in the labour market in conflict affected states; however, more should and could be done to serve those groups. For instance, female led businesses create more jobs for women, a lesson that is important to note when developing private sector interventions that provide jobs to women…

Read more: Opportunities and Challenges to SME Development in Conflict Affected States – Findings from SPARK’s Tracer Survey

*This publication was authored by Nic van der Jagt (Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at SPARK) and Jos Winters (Survey Project Manager at SPARK).