Support services for SMEs and start-ups and public procurement (Dimensions 5a and 5b) in Eastern partner countries

SMEs need government support to ensure they can access markets and build the skills they require to be competitive. Dimension 5 covers two specific areas. First, it evaluates government interventions to encourage the development of business support services for SMEs. Second, it assesses government efforts to adapt public procurement frameworks to make it easier for SMEs to participate on an equal footing with larger companies, giving them access to the significant opportunities available through public contracts.