Project
CEE–CA SME Impact Lab
A lab-style programme that connects SMEs, clusters and support organisations from Central Europe and Central Asia to co-create scalable solutions for access to markets, finance and skills.
Project Overview
The CEE–CA SME Impact Lab is designed as a series of intensive workshops, mentoring cycles and peer exchanges. It focuses on practical tools that help SMEs navigate cross-border markets, adopt digital technologies and contribute to green and inclusive growth.
The Challenge
SMEs across Central Europe and Central Asia face similar barriers: limited access to finance, fragmented support services, skills gaps and difficulties in scaling beyond domestic markets. Existing programmes are often siloed by country and do not fully leverage regional complementarities.
Objectives
Equip SMEs and clusters with practical tools for internationalisation, digitalisation and green transition.
Strengthen cooperation between SME support organisations and financial institutions across the regions.
Generate demonstrable impact stories that showcase the value of CEE–CA economic integration for smaller firms.
Build a pipeline of SME-focused initiatives that can be scaled by development partners and investors.
Activity of the project
Organising blended lab sessions in Prague, Tashkent and online for SMEs and support organisations.
Providing mentoring on business models, impact measurement and partnership development.
Connecting participants to financial institutions, donors and impact investors.
Documenting lessons learnt through briefs, toolkits and short documentary pieces.