BiD Network SME Investment Guide: Colombia
Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Colombia 2009
In mature markets such as in the US and Europe, SMEs benefit from an inflow of capital from venture capitalists, private investors and banks. However, investments in SMEs in Colombia are limited by a lack of information and thus a high perception of risk. “Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Colombia” aims to address this knowledge gap, by providing all the information necessary to plan, manage and exit from an investment in an SME in Colombia. It is a practical guide and contains interviews with US, European and Colombian based funds, banks and experts on SME finance on how to approach an investment between USD 50,000 to USD 2 million in a Colombian SME.
Sample guide
Why a guide for investors in SMEs?
The time is ripe for a guide to help banks, SME funds and smaller investors to better navigate through the SME sector in Colombia. This is because foreign direct investment and SME development are two of the most significant catalysts for economic growth and job creation in Colombia. While there are many publications detailing the business climate and regulations for (foreign) investment in Colombia, none of these are focused on the particular issues faced by investors in the SME segment. As SMEs are e.g., disproportionately affected by problems such as complex tax systems, bureaucracy and undeep capital markets, information about these issues and how they relate to SMEs are vitally important for any investor going into this market.
The Guide includes information about:
• Credit and risk capital options for Colombian SMEs;
• How to manage the specific risks of investing in a Colombian SME;
• Where to find investment opportunities and support for SME investors
Moreover, the guide includes contact information of legal, financial and business support related institutions in Colombia.
The guide is presented in a practical framework and includes a step by step planning section and a list of frequently asked questions.
Table of contents and sample chapter
Target Audience:
The target groups of the guide are:
• Foreign and local investors, both informal (business angels) as well as well as formal (i.e.; private equity and venture capital/philanthropy funds)
• Official and private sector business development agencies
• Development cooperation agencies
The information in this guide is also highly relevant for Colombian SMEs as well as for banks, consultants, brokers and those MicroFinance Institutions serving Colombia which are interested in moving up-market.
Target group: sponsors and advertisers
The entities interested in promoting themselves in the guide are those enterprises and organizations working with Colombian SMEs, such as:
• Investment promotion agencies in the country;
• Ministries and other governmental agencies;
• Business development organizations;
• Banks and funds financing SMEs;
• Regional Chambers of Commerce;
• Free Trade Zones;
• Consultants and businesspeople
Distribution and scope
Initially, 500 copies of the guide will be printed. The main distribution channels for the guides are various European and US embassies in Colombia, the regional/local chambers of commerce, Colombian investment and export promotion agencies, business associations and local and regional Business Angel Networks, such as LAVCA. The guide will also be distributed via European and US based Business Angel and Venture Philanthropy Networks.
The distribution of the first guide of the series (Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Uganda 2008) included the main providers of financial and business development services in Uganda, such as the Ugandan Investment Authority, the African Venture Capital Association, the East African Development Bank, major European Business Angel Networks and several Globally-based SME funds. Via these channels, some 5,000+ investors, funds, banks and SMEs have accessed that guide.
Our qualifications
BiD Network operates the largest online marketplace dedicated to stimulating entrepreneurship in new emerging markets. The BiD Network has over 21,000 members, including entrepreneurs, coaches, financial institutions, and angel investors. Earlier this year, the BiD Network released "Investing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Uganda 2008", the first practical investment guide on the market for SME finance in new emerging markets. This guide met with high acclaim from a variety of users, such as informal investors, SME funds, small business associations and banks. Information on the guide is available at: countryguides.
SEAF (Small Enterprise Assistance Funds) is a global investment firm with 20 years of experience in SME investments in emerging markets. Since its beginning, SEAF has made 250 investments in locally owned enterprises and made around 150 completed or partial exits. SEAF Colombia is co-author of this guide. For more information: www.seaf.com.
Prices of guide
Normal list price, € 37,50* per single copy
Bulk price, € 600,-* for 30 copies
*Price excluding shipping and handling from Amsterdam
Specifications
The guide is printed in colour, in a handy booklet format (A5: 150x210mm). It is written in English.
Click here to order
For more information on the guide or opportunities for sponsors, please contact:
Susan Randall
Country Research Coordinator
BiD Network
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 7555002
Email:
