Socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on SMEs in LDCs

As the COVID-19 pandemic inflicts economic harm in global markets, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand the greatest risk of experiencing the harshest impacts—specifically those SMEs in the world’s least developed countries (LDCs). Governments, donors, investors and the United Nations among other international organizations are actively looking to craft appropriate, effective responses to support these SMEs. Gathering clear, accurate information about the precise challenges that SMEs in LDCs are experiencing will help in crafting the support that can assist SMEs, their workers, and the local economies they operate in.

With this survey, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), together with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Global Alliance pour les Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (GAPME), Columbia University-Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences program (QMSS), Concordia, and Business Africa as well as our partner organizations at the country level will gather information directly from SME business leaders in the LDCs on how they are operating and adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This is your opportunity to share the constraints and challenges your businesses are experiencing due to the pandemic. The survey is also your opportunity to share exactly what kind of support and resources you need during this time.

The data and information in our survey will improve and strengthen the responses that we are looking to provide to address critical business needs of SMEs in LDC markets. The survey will also be a resource for any organization looking to provide assistance to SMEs during this time; including Governments, donors, investors and the United Nations. A summary report highlighting the valuable information gained from the survey will be presented during an open conference call and posted on the web; and multiple promotional events will be conducted during the summer and fall of 2020.

A select number of respondents will be chosen to participate as presenters in these promotional events. From the pool of respondents who have completed the survey, we will choose a group of business leaders to speak at an array of events hosted by UNCDF, Concordia and the rest of our partners. This includes the 2020 Concordia Annual Summit, taking place digitally September 21-25, which will coincide with the United Nations General Assembly.

This survey should take less than 20 minutes to complete.

We appreciate your participation during this uncertain time.

START SURVEY