For Financial Institutions

1.

Executive summary

A concise overview of the process and key insights.

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2.

Knowledge product

Evidence and case studies from 20+ SME banking initiatives, showing what drives success.

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3.

Toolkit guide

A practical manual describing how each tool works and when to use it.

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4.

Toolkit

A set of 8 tools and resources for banks and funders that can be used sequentially or independently to support SME banking research & diagnostics, pilot & refinement and roll-out.

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1. Market assesment tool

Key questions answered

What does the market look like?

Description

Excel-based model to help actors identify high-potential markets for SME banking expansion, based on key enablers and constraints

2. Market sizing tool

Key questions answered

What is the overall opportunity?

Description

Excel-based model to estimate MSME market size by firm type (e.g., micro, small, medium) and gender. Predicts headcount, financial needs, and revenue potential.

3. Partner screening and prioritization tool

Key questions answered

Which banks are internally incentivized to establish themselves in these markets?

Description

Excel-based partner screening and selection tool to help TA funders screen and prioritize strategically aligned bank partners to deliver SME banking programs.

4. Bank diagnostic tool

Key questions answered

What do these banks need to do to create a strong SME value proposition?

Description

Excel-based template to help funders and banks assess existing capabilities and gaps that need to be addressed to deliver an SME- aligned value proposition.

5. Segmentation tool

Key questions answered

What are the key segments?   How do their needs differ?

Description

Two excel-based tools to segment SMEs into high-, moderate-, and low-growth groups based on business traits, challenges, and support needs.

6. Credit risks management primer

Key questions answered

What do these banks need to do to create a strong SME value proposition?

Description

PDF primer highlighting key internal credit risks banks face in SME banking, along with mitigation strategies and the potential role of TA, supported by real-world examples

7. Case study template

Key questions answered

How will these banks know if they are succeeding? And how can I communicate outcomes?

Description

An editable PowerPoint template to help TA funders present their SME banking efforts, highlighting outcomes and program learnings

Banks have long faced the SME paradox — a huge opportunity, but a misunderstood segment. This toolkit helps diagnose where you stand and what to do next, moving beyond credit to holistic client support.

Senior SME Banking Executive, Latin America

Tool details

Tools Description Key questions answered
1. Market assessment tool Excel-based model to help actors identify high-potential markets for SME banking expansion, based on key enablers and constraints What does the market look like?
2. Market sizing tool Excel-based model to estimate MSME market size by firm type (e.g., micro, small, medium) and gender. Predicts headcount, financial needs, and revenue potential. What is the overall opportunity?
3. Business case Excel model projecting SME finance profitability using tailored assumptions. Includes cost/revenue inputs, scenario analysis, and sample outputs. Which SME segment is attractive from a scale and ROI perspective?
4. Bank diagnostic tool Excel-based template to help funders and banks assess existing capabilities and gaps that need to be addressed to deliver an SME- aligned value proposition. What do these banks need to do to create a strong SME value proposition?
5. Segmentation tool PDF conceptual overview which provides a structured process to identify distinct SME profiles based on business characteristics, behaviors, and financial needs, with reference to two external Excel-based segmentation tools. What are the key segments? How do their needs differ?
6. Enterprise needs assessment tools Excel-based template aiding FSPs in conducting qualitative market research with SMEs to effectively identify financial behaviour, needs, and NFS/market opportunities. What are the unmet financial and non-financial needs of SMEs? In what ways can FSPs better serve them?
7. Credit risks management primer PDF primer highlighting key internal credit risks banks face in SME banking, along with mitigation strategies and the potential role of TA, supported by real-world examples What makes SME credit risk hard to assess? How can FSPs strengthen their credit risk management processes?
8. Bank performance dashboard Tableau dashboard to track SME banking performance across segments, regions, and roles. Includes KPIs on outreach, portfolio quality, profitability, and gender inclusion Is the organization achieving its full potential? What adaptations are necessary to expand market share?