Institutional Capacities for Small Business Policy Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

This study provides a quantitative description of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. It highlights the quality of the information available in the region and, in doing so, also identifies gaps in the data. The study also presents a comparative analysis of the capacity of national MSME institutions to support small business development. Based on this assessment, the authors also draw attention to the disparate levels of institutional capacity in the region. The study recommends the development of an MSME Institutional Learning System to organize and promote the sharing of information among MSME support institutions of all types in the region, and between them and their international counterparts and international development organizations. Permission is granted to reproduce this paper in whole or in part for noncommercial purposes only and with proper attribution to the author(s), the Sustainable Development Department, and the Inter-American Development Bank. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Inter-American Development Bank. The document is available in English only.