Preparation of a study for the Authority of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Panama that made known the current situation of Panamanian MSMEs, through a representative sample of the whole sector, within the framework of the Programme for Institutional Strengthening of MSMEs, executed by UNDP.
A statistically representative sample of Panamanian MSMEs was taken, applying the technique of random sampling by clusters, for which it was necessary to survey 800 MSMEs in 100 different places of the country, providing coverage to the whole country. The designed survey included 74 questions divided into 8 modules, which allowed to obtain information on all aspects that make the life of a company
This research work made it possible to determine the impact that MSMEs have on the country’s economy and to identify the main characteristics of the sector, to know the main weaknesses and potentialities of entrepreneurs as regards information, training, technical assistance, technology, marketing and the dynamics of the sector, which also constituted a key factor for the subsequent development of public policies to benefit the sector.
The study/diagnosis included a sectoral and also a gender focus, so the composition and characteristics of MSMEs by economic sector and at the same time, led by women, were analysed, identifying specific obstacles and difficulties, as well as the difficulties of combining entrepreneurial work time with time devoted to family and care tasks.
(2017) Ciudad de Panamá, Penonomé, Santiago, David. Panamá
FINANCING AGENCY / DONOR: United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
EXECUTING AGENCY: Authority of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Panama (AMPYME)
CONSULTANCY: Diagnostic Study about SMEs
