Entrepreneurial training for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises: lessons from Central and Eastern Europe.

This report describes specific entrepreneurial training activities provided by agencies and institutions to assist the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Eastern European countries. The case studies are drawn from countries undergoing a transition to a market-based economy, a situation in which small companies are becoming increasingly important. Entrepreneurial training is defined in this context as all kinds of support and assistance activities for entrepreneurs that are associated with the transfer of knowledge, expertise and attitudes. The report aims to: (1) provide practical guidance and models for entrepreneurial training providers, agencies and other organisations assisting SMEs in Central and Eastern Europe; and (2) provide a useful tool for policymakers at national, regional and local levels and organisations involved in SME development. The chapters are: Introduction; A review of current knowledge concerning training approaches to growth SMEs; A short overview of entrepreneurial training for SME growth in Central and Eastern Europe; The case studies (Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Russian Federation, Ukraine); A comparative analysis of growth training programmes from the supplier, buyer and customer perspective; Recommendations: the way ahead.

This report describes specific entrepreneurial training activities provided by agencies and institutions to assist the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Eastern European countries. The case studies are drawn from countries undergoing a transition to a market-based economy, a situation in which small companies are becoming increasingly important. Entrepreneurial training is defined in this context as all kinds of support and assistance activities for entrepreneurs that are associated with the transfer of knowledge, expertise and attitudes. The report aims to: (1) ...  [+] Show more