Increasing SME Success
Whether you're looking to strengthen your advisory approach, deliver more effective training, or improve SME outcomes, you'll find practical, evidence-based resources to help.
How To Increase SME Success
The methods presented here have been rigorously tested in some of the first large-scale randomised controlled trials involving thousands of SMEs, providing the strongest available evidence that these particular methods can significantly improve business performance. Start with two short explainer videos for a high-level introduction to methods that business advisors and trainers can use to achieve better results. Then explore the Strategic Clarity Handbook, which provides a practical, step-by-step guide to applying these methods in your own work. Discover the wider implications for business support and policymaking in the Policy Analysis Report, which explores how robust evidence can be used to improve the design and delivery of SME support and so increase the scale and rate of SME success. Looking for more detail? Browse the Toolkit for implementation guides, pilot reports, case studies, practical resources, and lessons learned from applying these approaches across a range of organisations and contexts.
Start with Success: Mapping a Clear Path to Circular Goals
Testing What Matters: Validating Key Assumptions in Your Circular Projects
Strategic Clarity Handbook
The Strategic Clarity Handbook is a practical guide for business advisors working with SMEs. It provides a structured, step-by-step methodology to help businesses identify their goals, test their assumptions, and build a clear path forward.
Policy Analysis
This policy analysis examines the measurable impact of publicly funded SME support programmes and sets out the case for a strategic, evidence-based approach to business advising. Drawing on findings from across the Target Circular partnership, it offers practical insights and recommendations for policymakers and support organisations seeking to maximise the return on public investment in SME development.
Increasing SME Success Toolkit
This comprehensive toolkit brings together the key resources developed throughout the project, including reports, practical tools, and policy analyses. It is intended as a lasting reference for Business Support Organisations (BSOs), advisors, and policymakers engaged in circular economy transition.
What Next?
Learn how to support SMEs identify circular business opportunities
Circular ideation toolkit