The objective of IFC’s Access to Business Services (A2B) Program was to improve the growth prospects of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by strengthening business membership organizations (BMOs). Advisory services help BMOs become more effective service providers and advocates for a business friendly environment.
A decision to transition the A2B Program from a stand-alone to a cross-cutting effort was taken in fiscal year 2007 to reflect IFC’s shift in the delivery of advisory services. Since then, the SME Development initiative has continued to provide advisory services to BMOs as part of its remaining portfolio of active projects. In fiscal year 2008, eight projects were successfully completed. Moving forward, the remaining two active projects will be managed in coordination with the IFC Business Enabling Environment initiative in MENA. For instance, the experiences and products developed by the program have been integrated within the Business Simplification project in Alexandria to optimize the impact of interventions. The project aims to monitor the implementation of the proposed reform agenda through the establishment of a private sector observatory in cooperation with the Alexandria Business Association.
During its implementation, the Access to Business Services Program has been active in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Pakistan.
