The mission of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve people's lives. IFC finances the private sector investments in the developing world, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses.

The SME Department combines the market perspective of the International Finance Corporation with the policy expertise of the World Bank to promote local small business growth in developing nations. These merged capabilities create a powerful synergy and underscore a strategic commitment to improving lives by creating opportunities in small business.

A project of the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, the SME Toolkit offers business management information for small businesses / small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For export orientated companies, the SME Toolkit provides useful country information.