The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has developed "SME Toolkit" a comprehensive web service for local SMEs. According to a spokesman of the Authority, Smeda is going to launch this web service from March 22. The launching ceremony would be attended by a large number of representatives from chambers, trade associations, business development service providers and the government departments.
"The SME Toolkit" offers a wide range of business forms, free business software, online training, self-assessment exercises, quizzes and how to articles service.
IFC has provided Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives with a funding of USD 15,000 for this project. Smeda in collaboration with IFC has successfully translated all the content in local language, making it more accessible for the local business community.
SME Toolkit also offers free business management information and training for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on accounting, finance, business planning, human resources (HR), marketing, sales, operations, and information technology (IT). Pre-feasibility, sector briefs, regulatory procedures, and other information, which are available in English on Smeda's web portal have also been translated into Urdu. It is hoped that SME Toolkit Urdu version would enable businesses to have access to a vast knowledge base and also expose them to new business techniques. It also provides a list of online services, which will benefit the end users in managing their day to day business needs.