Based on our expert understanding of the SME sector, we have a specialized SME consulting solution which is positioned to assist the public sector, multilateral organisations that are active in the SME space, civil society groups and the private sector. We have an ecletic mix of services which include: policy formulation, primary research collection, SME enterprise development, SME screening/ diagnostics, and the optimization of free-trade areas.
The key differentiating approach to our SME related services is the use of our structured grading tool and underlying frameworks. Picture this: you are a development agency or multilateral organisation who set up either an access to funding or access to business opportunity/ export program. The program is about to start but you are not sure if businesses are prepared for funding, who to lend out funds to or if businesses are sustainable and can attract business opportunites/ market their services- Enter CRA Global Development. Our SME grading technology sets us apart from our competitors as we can better equip SMEs for funding and business opportunities. The grading tool is often used for diagnostic and business improvement purposes and takes enterprise development and support to a whole new level.
We create public sector business grading solutions.
We take enterprise development to the next level.
We create online and in-person learning platforms.
We consult with major multilaterals on SME development.
We have significantly innovated the SME development space by providing out of the box solutions to the likes of the World Bank, United Nations and various other divisions. We also recently launch Africa's first public sector business grading system which has added a new dimension to access to funding and business opportunities in Nigeria. Once fully rolled out, it will be the largest business grading system in the World. We are bringing the grading model to other African countries and work very closely with multilateral organisations that are running SME development programs across African and emerging markets.
We created the first government-led and soon to be the world's largest business grading system.
We have created SME access to funding solutions for the World Bank Group
We have published SME-related research with Harvard Business School
We have created an access to funding app for the International Finance Corporation.
View our completed projects to learn more.
We follow a structured approach to creating these grading systems due to the complexity involved. Depending on the urgency, the process will typically take up to 12-24 months to get the grading system up and running. The process can be expedited if required, however this will need to be discussed and can follow a fast track program. We are currently running a fast track program with two government agencies in Africa.
We map out the clients needs and determine if the grading system will have a large focus on access to funding or access to business opportunities
We will create a structured work order including all deliverables and a timeline over which the project will be completed.
We will engage extensively with stakeholders prior to getting a project off the ground. This is quite important as it ensures that there is buy-in from multiple stakeholders which helps when getting the project off the ground.
The structured approach is quite important as it showcases that the government has not jumped into the concept but has taken a measured approach. Upon commencement, we will then conduct all the required feasibility studies to ensure that the concept is a good fit for the country in question. Apart from the structured approach above, we also work together with multilateral organisations and governments that run bespoke SME development programs. We are typically called upon to enhance the outcomes within these programs. Engagements for this are done on a case by case and we have experienced significant demand for our services due to our unique and different approach to enterprise development
We recently assisted the Nigerian government to create an online learning platform for SMEs across the country. The platform has attracted over 50 000 businesses in a short space of time.
