One of the major problems for SMMEs is that a proper continuum of service providers does not exist because:

• They are not adequately equipped, managed and resourced
• They do not cater for all types of advice leaving many gaps sin the market.
• They are sporadic and unevenly spread geographically
• They are uncoordinated, erratic and do not communicate with each other effectively.
• They do not cater effectively with the different language and education levels - from unsophisticated business to highly sophisticated businesses.

The enterprise development pipeline will be a wide-ranging support structure for SMMEs to cater for the entire spectrum of needs. It will mobilise and harness the various advice and services available (be it government or private sector) to create a continuum of support.

The range of services required by SMME spans:

• Business idea development
• Business plan development
• Financing (loans and incentives)
• Grants and investment recruitment
• Technology
• Sourcing and procuring inputs
• Operational skills
• Management skills and HRD
• Quality management
• Packaging logistics
• Export and import processes
• Tender application skills
• Legal advice
• IT advice
• Accountable advice
• Marketing (domestic and global export)
• Client care

The Department will consider direct assistance for this concept through

• Co-funding unique and rare services
• Funding training courses provision
• Purchasing services for selected individuals
• Funding monitoring and evaluation of the quality of services