Small and Medium Enterprises Survey Analysis

Comprehensive Study of Business Sector Needs and Challenges

May 2025

Survey Overview

25

Participating Companies

2

Major Cities

5

Different Sectors

100%

Cooperation Readiness

Geographic Distribution of Participating Companies

16

Baghdad

9

Basra

64% of participating companies are from Baghdad, while 36% are from Basra, indicating a need to expand the study to include other provinces

Business Activity Types Distribution

13

Commercial

8

Services

5

Industrial

1

Agricultural

1

Technology

Commercial sector represents the largest share of participating companies (52%)
Good diversity in sectors with companies in various fields

Chamber of Commerce Membership

64%

Current Members

32%

Non-Members

4%

Former Members

Most Used Chamber of Commerce Services

Chamber ID Issuance/Renewal 11 companies

Support in Exhibitions and Conferences 10 companies

Attending Workshops and Training Courses 7 companies

Training and Funding

28%

Participated in Training Programs

72%

Did Not Participate in Training

20%

Received Funding

80%

Did Not Receive Funding

Critical Point: Only about 1 in 4 companies participated in training programs and 1 in 5 received funding, indicating a significant gap in access to these vital services

International Expansion Interest

Need Support to Expand 60%

Have Current Expansion Plans 28%

Focus on Local Market Only 8%

Uncertain 4%

88% of companies are interested in international expansion, but most need support and qualification first

Main Challenges Facing Companies

15

Funding

11

Marketing

9

Regulations

6

Bureaucracy

5

Skills

4

Infrastructure

60% of companies face challenges in obtaining funding
Marketing and customer reach is challenging for 44% of companies
Legal and administrative challenges affect 36% and 24% of companies respectively

Required Support Needs

16

Funding

11

Training

10

Consulting

8

Product Dev

7

Tech Support

7

New Markets

Key Findings

100% of companies are ready to cooperate with the BBW project, reflecting a strong desire for development
Funding is the biggest challenge and need, mentioned by 60% of companies
Significant gap in access to training and funding (only 28% and 20% benefited respectively)
Ambition for international expansion among 88% of companies, but most need support
Marketing challenges are the second biggest concern, affecting 44% of companies

Strategic Recommendations

1. Enhance Funding Programs

Establish a dedicated fund for SMEs with flexible terms and simplified procedures

2. Expand Training Programs

Increase the number and variety of training programs with focus on digital and marketing skills

3. Support International Expansion

Specialized programs for export and opening foreign markets with logistical and legal support

4. Simplify Procedures

Work with government agencies to reduce bureaucracy and facilitate procedures

5. Develop Digital Platform

Create an integrated electronic platform to connect companies and provide services and support

Conclusion

The survey shows that SMEs in Iraq face significant challenges, particularly in obtaining funding and training. However, there is a strong desire for development and expansion, with complete readiness to cooperate with developmental initiatives.

Investing in these companies through providing funding, training, and technical support will have a significant impact on the national economy and job creation.

Connect With Us

For more information about the BBW project and supporting SMEs in Iraq,
please visit our website or contact us through our social media channels.