Small and growing businesses (SGBs) profoundly impact economies and
livelihoods, particularly in emerging markets. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that enterprise support organizations (ESOs) create jobs and increase the productivity of SGBs.
However, the impact of ESO programs varies considerably.
In 2013, Argidius set out to identify what works best in BDS to enable SGBs to
grow and create employment. In doing so, they drew not only from their own
portfolio but also from extensive academic literature and the experience of
outside programs.Five fundamental considerations emerged that distinguished high-performing Enterprise Support programs (those that cost-effectively delivered SGB growth). These five considerations have been codified as SCALE.
Key Use Cases
SCALE offers ESO providers and funders guidance on how to implement
practices that improve the effectiveness of ESO programs and, as a result, boost
revenue and job creation for SGBs. Share considerations and good practices with ESO
providers, funders, and other key actors across the ESO ecosystem to improve
the effectiveness of support offered to SGBs