Thematic reviews, briefing notes, ECPs and reports

Darwin Initiative toolkit for SMEs

Introduction

The Darwin Initiative wishes to strengthen the quality of applications for funding that make claims to create, develop or maintain some form of enterprise, relating to the use of natural resources. It is widely held that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) do not always have the time, expertise and training to carry out the necessary business planning and market research, that is a vital part of ensuring the success and continuity of any business. Most rural enterprises lack the skills to prepare business plans or to present themselves to secure potential funders. Furthermore, SMEs often lack suitable capital or collateral, and are often unwilling to let others take a share in their enterprise in return for such assets. Marketing and adaptation of products / servicesto market demandis a common weak point.Finally, the amount of time and moneyneeded to get a concern up and running profitably is often underestimated. This toolkit aims to address some of these issues and help SMEs have direct access to a selection of resources that aim to help them plan and market their enterprises more effectively.

A consultation of over 80 experts from NGO, government, academic and business sectors in September 2007 revealed an overwhelmingly positive response to providing a toolkit of this sort for SMEs. Almost every respondent expressed their interest in such an assemblage of specific materials as it does not currently exist. Indeed, although there are many business development documents, toolkits and guidelines which focus on natural resources in the public domain, there are few that are specific and useful enough to apply to a wide audience and have real value to Darwin applicants.

Finally, it should be noted that the adoption of "best practice" market research and business planning methodologies can never guarantee success but it can certainly increase the likelihood that a business will turn out to be more profitable and ultimately more sustainable.

Purpose

The purpose of the following toolkit is to provide guidance on business planning and market research for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are applying to the Darwin Initiative for funding. The guidance material is split between resources for business planning and resources for market research for 1) General biodiversity 2) Specific biodiversity (Non-Timber Forest Products; Agro-forestry, Ecotourism, Payments for Ecosystem Services; and Genetic Resources) and 3) General business.

The guidance is intended to be used in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Darwin Initiative

The tool will be appended to the Darwin website for public use. It should be noted that the materials are only a selection of public resources and are intended for guidance only.

[return to table of contents]

Search Darwin

Latest tweets

	Wed Jan 18 13:03 | Fossils collected by #Darwin discovered in cabinet at HQ of the British Geological Survey http://t.co/GAe0n921
	Thu Jan 12 12:00 | Remember - there is a subtle difference in the eligibility requirements this year. Read the guidance materials closely. http://t.co/ltEQ77oI
	Thu Jan 12 11:57 | Working in biodiversity and development? 18 days til the deadline for applications to the Scoping, Fellowship and Challenge Fund.
	Thu Jan 12 09:20 | The Darwin Initiative @Darwin_Defra assists poor countries that are rich in #biodiversity. Research by @UniofExeter http://t.co/SC0OQuwJ
	Fri Jan 06 09:06 | Birdlife new documentary highlights importance of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for people in Nepal http://t.co/35avTjgN
	Wed Jan 04 13:33 | We're looking for articles for the next #Darwin newsletter from all Darwin project past and present. Deadline January 23rd!
	Thu Dec 22 15:58 | Merry Christmas from all at the Darwin Initiative. We hope to announce the results of the recent funding call in the New Year.

Follow us on Twitter: Darwin_Defra