How does IFC support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)?
IFC uses a variety of tools to promote SME development. Its main tool is through investments in financial institutions that provide financing to SMEs. Leasing companies, banks, venture capital funds, and business service providers are just a few examples. In fiscal year 2004, IFC committed nearly $650 million in Financial Markets investments. IFC also supports SMEs through technical assistance programs, such as through its Regional Facilities and Linkage Programs.

Can the Department of Partnerships and Advisory Services Operations Department invest in my business?
IFC's Department of Partnerships and Advisory Services Operations Department does not provide direct financing to businesses, but supports departments of the World Bank Group with their SME development programs. Its primary customers are IFC's regional departments, which manage eleven Regional Facilities throughout the world. It also supports IFC's Global Financial Markets department and various World Bank SME programs.

How can I obtain IFC advisory services for my small business?
IFC's SME department does not provide services directly to businesses. Many of IFC's Regional Facilities provide advisory services to SMEs, or support consultancies and business service providers.

What is Strengthening Grassroots Business Initiative (SGBI)?
SGBI seeks to strengthen and scale up innovative social enterprises that create sustainable economic opportunities for the poor, empowering and engaging them as entrepreneurs, consumers, employees and suppliers. SGBI supports such enterprises, referred to as grassroots business organizations, and the intermediaries that support them, with appropriate financing (grants and "patient capital" loans) and capacity building. Established in 2004, SGBI now works in Africa, Latin America and Asia, with some 30 different projects aiming to bring income generating opportunities and needed products and services to the poor.

Does IFC provide investments in developed countries?
IFC only invests in private sector projects in developing countries. Please see IFC's criteria for making investments.

How can I obtain financing from IFC?
There is no standard application form for IFC financing. A company or entrepreneur, foreign or domestic, seeking to establish a new venture or expand an existing enterprise can approach IFC directly. This is best done by reading Doing Business with the IFC, How to Apply for Financing, which describes IFC's investment criteria, and by submitting an Investment Proposal.

How can I apply for a job related to SMEs with IFC?
To learn about available positions, please check IFC's career site at http://www.ifc.org/careers/ or the World Bank job seeker site at http://lnweb28.worldbank.org/hrs/careers.nsf

How can I apply for an internship with IFC?
IFC runs a Summer Internship Program each year for a minimum period of four weeks to work on discrete projects in Washington or in one of IFC's field offices. The program is very competitive: we receive over 1,500 resumes each year, from which 30-40 candidates are selected. Applications are accepted at summerintern@ifc.org from December 1 through January 15 of each year.