Mapping The Shift in Business Development Services: Making Markets Work for the Poor

This reader brings together eighteen seminal papers on business development services (BDS). Together with introductory and overview chapters from the editors, these contributions map the evolution since 1990 or assistance to businesses that serve micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs. All have been written by experts with practical experience in a wide range of countries. The selection begins with chapters illustrating the traditional approach to BDS and the growing pressure for change. Early alternatives focused on making the existing intermediaries sustainable whereas subsequent chapters point to the potential for upgrading whole systems of service provision. Current debates and issues are highlighted, challenging all those in the field to make markets work for the poor. Mapping the Shift in Business Development Services is designed for students and others who are looking for a wide-ranging introduction to the subject, for national and international policy makers and donors, and for people who work in the area and are looking for a broad presentation of trends, alternative strategies and future challenges.