An Introduction to the SME Ecosystem Model Approach

This chapter introduces the concept of “SME credit ratingSME credit rating ecosystems”ecosystem. These ecosystemsecosystem are a coordinated effort to enhance access to finance for SMEsSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by promoting the use of SME credit ratings. It comprises of SME credit rating agenciescredit rating agencies, ministries linked to the SME sector, the central bankcentral bank, stock exchangesstock exchangesexchanges, commercial lenderscommercial lenders, and related financial/funding entities. The rationale behind creating such ecosystemsecosystem is to enhance the outcomes of each individual stakeholder via a collected and targeted approach. This chapter outlines how an ecosystemecosystem can be created, the role of each stakeholder within the ecosystemecosystem and examples of how this has worked in practice.