In mature markets such as in the US and Europe, SMEs benefit from an inflow of capital from venture capitalists, private investors and banks. However, investments in SMEs in new emerging markets are limited by a lack of information and thus a high perception of risk. The BiD Network SME Investment Guide Series aims to address this knowledge gap, by providing all the information necessary to plan, manage and exit from an SME in a new emerging market. The guides are practical and contain many examples of how to approach an investment between USD 50,000 to USD 2 million in an SME located in a new emerging market.
Why a guide series on investing in SMEs?
The time appears ripe for an information service to support banks, SME funds and smaller investors to improve investment decision-making around SME finance in new emerging markets. While there are many publications detailing the business climate and regulations for foreign investment in new emerging markets, none of these are focused on the particular issues faced by investors who finance SMEs. As SMEs are e.g., disproportionately affected by complex tax systems and un-deep capital markets, information about these issues are vitally important for any investor going into these markets.
Sample content
The guides highlight the guarantee programs, risk mitigation products, operating environment, linkage opportunities and sectors which are relevant for SMEs and the investors interested in tapping into them. In addition, the guides include contact details of reliable accountants, lawyers, brokers and financial and business services supporting SMEs in the target country.
All information in the guides will be presented in a practical, how to format, and include a section on how to plan an investment. The reader will be assisted by an easy to use frequently asked questions section, which will direct them immediately to the answer in the guide.
Target group: readership
The guide is aimed at providing information for:
• Informal investors (business angels)
• Private equity, venture capital and venture philanthropy funds
• Foreign and local banks, including Microfinance Institutions moving up- market
• Governmental and private sector entities providing business
development services and other support to SMEs
• Organisations focused on entrepreneurship development
Target group: sponsors and advertisers
• Investment and export promotion agencies
• Banks and funds financing SMEs
• Providers of business development and other services to SMEs
• Entrepreneurship centers
• Consultants, brokers and official and private sector business
development agencies servicing SMEs
Distribution
Initially, 500 copies of each guide will be printed. The main distribution channels for the guides are various European and US embassies located in the target countries, the regional/local chambers of commerce, investment and export promotion agencies, business associations and local and regional Business Angel Networks. The guides will also be distributed via European and US based Business Angel and Venture Philanthropy Networks.
Country coverage
We are now producing the guide on Mexico in collaboraction with Fundación E.
Countries to be covered in the series are Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia (now available), Ecuador, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda (now available). If there is a country you are interested in which is not on this list, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our qualifications
BiD Network operates the largest online marketplace dedicated to stimulating entrepreneurship in new emerging markets and has over 21,000 members.
Earlier this year, the BiD Network released "Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Uganda 2008", the first practical investment guide on the market for SME finance in new emerging markets. This guide met with high acclaim from a variety of users, such as informal investors, SME funds, small business associations and banks.
Advertisement rates
Each guide will contain a modest amount of advertising (maximum 10%).
1 country, full issue 1 page = € 850, ½ page = € 500
Sponsoring
BiD Network offers several options for companies interested in sponsoring one or more guides in the series, including a cover sponsor and logo sponsor. Please contact Susan Randall for more details.
Specifications of guides
The guides will be printed in color, in a handy booklet format (A5: 150x 210 mm).
For more information about the guide series, please contact:
Susan Randall
Country Research Coordinator
BiD Network
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 20 7555002
(email: )
- SME Investment Guide Series
BiD Network SME Investment Guide: Colombia
Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Colombia 2009
In mature markets such as in the US and Europe, SMEs benefit from an inflow of capital from venture capitalists, private investors and ...
- SME Investment Guide Series
BiD Network SME Investment Guide: Mexico
BiD Network's most recently released publication provides all the information necessary to plan, manage and exit from an investment ...
- SME Investment Guide Series
BiD Network SME Investment Guide: Uganda
“Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Uganda 2008”
• How to plan, manage and successfully exit from an investment in a SME in Uganda • How to benefit from the incentives for ...