Savings banks and the development of small-scale enterprises (SSEs) : the SADCC region

Abstract

Small-scale enterprises (SSEs) are not confined to specific locations. They are found in urban, pari-urban and rural areas. Interpretation of the term "small-scale enterprises" is at times confused with or thought to be synonymous with "small-scale industries". The two are not mutually exclusive since both derive from a combination of similar variables like the size of labour force, source or type and magnitude of capital employed. However it should be pointed out small-scale industries can be a subject of small-scale enterprises. We shall assume in this particular case therefore notwithstanding definitions used by others like the International Labour Organization 1/ that "small-scale enterprises" are where the operational management tends to be in the hands of one or two but less than five persons. In other words, they are an establishment where one or two people constitute the principal owners and also make all important decisions.