Rapid Assessment for Rural SME Development in Georgia and Armenia

PMC Research center conducted a research project entitled “Rapid Assessment for Rural SME Development in Georgia and Armenia.”

The goal of the project was to identify constraints affecting SME development in Georgia and Armenia, find plausible solutions to the aforementioned constraints and thereby, contribute to the viability and competitiveness of rural SMEs, creating additional jobs in non-agricultural sectors and stimulating access to local and global markets. The project also focuses on other aspects of responsible entrepreneurship, such as promoting social inclusion, resource efficiency and a shift towards an eco-friendly economy in the rural areas. 

Within the project timeframe, PMC Research Center’s team mapped out and analyzed all major rural SME development interventions implemented by donor agencies and the Government since 2010 in Georgia and Armenia. Based on desk review and expert interviews, major constraints were identified that prevent fast and inclusive growth of rural SMEs, including both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

The research team developed technical assistance strategies in response to each identified constraint and devised possible lines of intervention for the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in supporting rural SME development, with an emphasis on inclusiveness (in particular for youth and women), scale and sustainability.

Additionally, to ensure comprehensiveness in elaborated strategies, the team conducted SWOT analysis of possible interventions, emphasizing the aspects that are of particular concern and require additional attention from the SDC team.