HB Consultants Ltd. is undertaking market research of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the 2 selected rural districts (Rajshahi and Moulvibazar) in Bangladesh . 150 MSEs (including farming and livestock rearing) are being surveyed in each selected district (300 enterprises in total). The sample is representative of the range of MSEs in operation in the districts, and involves: trade & retail, services, light manufacturing, farming, livestock rearing, etc. The survey instrument is administered and adapted by HB Consultants Ltd. It focuses on the following points:

• characteristics of MSEs in the selected district (registration type, years in business, number of employees, asset size, turnover)
• profitability analysis (average return on assets, net profit margin)
• use of financial services (past loan experience)
• future business investment and interest in borrowing
• debt capacity and market potential

To complement the findings of the quantitative survey, HB also undertakes 4 Focus Group Discussions (2 per selected location) with MSEs to better understand what are their financial needs and how do they meet their financial needs (banks, MFIs, money lenders, family and friends, etc.). These case-studies will provide qualitative information that will complement the quantitative findings.

• Field test the questionnaire
• Train the enumerators
• Identify the market segments (according to rural –urban and sector wise stratification method)
• Undertake the survey of 300 MSEs in two regions
• Enter the data in SPSS file and clean it
• Undertake 4 Focus Group Discussions with MSEs
• Prepare focus group results
• Prepare technical report