Synthesis Report on "Microfinance Institutions and Business Development Services in Developing Countries"

Research and experience indicate that providing business development services can enhance entrepreneurial performance considerably. Yet, entrepreneurs' access to these services is still limited. The vital question is whether MFIs can play a role in improving the access of entrepreneurs to non-financial services? This document reports on the seminar entitled ‘'The future of Microfinance and Business Development Services in developing countries' organized as part of the process entitled '‘Stimulating Business Development: Another side of microfinance'.

The author concludes that small enterprises, microfinance and business development services shouldn't be considered as homogenous entities. There are various types of small enterprises, with their own particular need for financial and nonfinancial services. Research should study these differences and policymakers should adapt their policy and activities accordingly.