Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of many economies, including Ireland, and international business is an engine that seems to be running out of steam across all continents.

For example, take this excerpt:

‘‘SMEs are the backbone of this economy and it’s time the government sat up and took notice of this," said Curran.

‘‘We need to look at improving the export policy of these businesses, but the cost of competitiveness and a reduction in rates and other charges - such as energy - must be addressed. SMEs have done all they possibly can to cut costs.

Further:

‘‘We are still reliant on the international economy, and I would be very worried about the first few months of next year. This has probably been the worst year for SMEs in 20 years."

Read more at "SMEs Hanging On In Unforgiving Climate."

Additional resources mentioned in article:

Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME)

Not mentioned in the article but of interest:

ISME & FORD Guide to Surviving in a Downturn

Ford teamed up with ISME to produce a useful guide for small business in the current climate 'Keeping the small business moving – A guide to surviving in a downturn', it gives advice on cash flow, general cost reduction and marketing as they relate to smaller business.

ISME & FORD Guide to Surviving in a Downturn (PDF)

Although this is after the fact, it's still interesting and relevant to see that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China are looking for ways to expand their businesses internationally.

"One of the key goals of this year's fair is to build an efficient trade platform for domestic SMEs to expand their business in the global market," said Lin Ying, secretary-general of the organizing committee.

Learn more here.

Photo credit: China Daily

Welcome Wall Street Journal readers! Happy to have been a part of this important article by Raymund Flandez, "Looking Abroad For a Bigger Boost in Business."

It talks about how the weak economy, dollar prompts firms to go after foreign consumers.