SME toolkit unveiled

IFC has partnered with H&C Business Technologies to release a free Web site and toolkit that will provide better access to information and training for small businesses in Benin and Senegal, according to Webwire.

The SME Toolkit, to be released in the two countries during the first half of 2008, will offer a range of interactive content to support small business owners and managers in seven core business areas: accounting and finance, business planning, human resources, legal and insurance, marketing and sales, operations, and IT.

Through the toolkit, small businesses will be able to access free learning resources and receive help on implementing sustainable business practices.

Arabia MD Michel Haddad addressed entrepreneurs from Western Asia at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia expert group meeting in Cairo, Egypt, states Trading Markets.

During his presentation: "Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Productivity and Competitiveness", Haddad discussed how these entities can implement existing technology to keep up with increasingly demanding market preferences.

"An SME is often hampered by the lack of resources as well as access to research and development. Other difficulties include finding quality technical and human resources," Haddad said.

Four fifths of senior executives cite employee resistance to using customer relationship management (CRM) software as the biggest hurdle they face when implementing the technology, a survey has found, says Siliconrepublic.

Really Simple Systems, which provides hosted CRM software, surveyed 500 users of this technology in the UK, encompassing SME owners, directors and sales, marketing and IT managers.

About 82.9% said getting the staff to use the software was their biggest challenge. The survey also found that 71.9% of the respondents said they would be prepared to trade functionality in their CRM systems for ease of use.