Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of a country’s economy. They generate jobs that are sorely needed worldwide. Gallup’s World Poll estimates that of 3 billion adults globally who report they want a good job—one that is 30+ hours per week and provides a consistent paycheck in a legitimate business setting of any size—1.8 billion, or 60 percent, are out of work.

Some national leaders are beginning to take this problem very seriously. Leaders of countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), for example, are putting programs and policy initiatives in place aimed at developing SMEs and encouraging them to compete for government contracts. But too few leaders are focusing on the role that private corporations can play in helping SMEs grow.

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