This is a working note outlining the initial processes behind the SME Test Methodology. It is a notable deliverable part of the Developing an RIA SME Test Methodology for Georgia, while strengthening the capacity of the Government of Georgia to utilize SME RIA tools in practice Project, as funded by the UNDP and led by ISET Policy Institute.

The underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship in Georgia is a significant problem that disproportionately affects women’s ability to start and to sustain businesses. Despite legislative efforts and economic strategies intended to enhance the business environment, women face considerable challenges, such as limited access to finance, which hamper their ability to start and grow businesses.

The goal of this study is to provide the UNDP Inclusive Access to Markets (IA2M) project with the selection of at least six sectors/subsectors in the Georgian economy where small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have established or potential opportunities for exporting to the European Union (EU) and European countries.

Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is a process of evidence-based policymaking, which helps in designing better regulations. This process creates evidence for political decision-makers on the advantages and disadvantages of proposed policies by assessing their potential impacts. The results are summarized and presented in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) report.

The assessment of the progress in capital market development reform is based on the implementation of the initiatives outlined in the 2023-2028 strategy for capital market development. The objective of this strategy is to enhance access to finance through capital market instruments and to stimulate and mobilize capital for the Georgian market. The strategic vision aims for Georgia to position itself as the leading capital market in the region by 2028.

The Law of Georgia on Water Resource Management (the Law), passed by the Parliament in its third reading on June 30, 2023, outlines the principles of basin management according to which the country will be divided into seven river basins, and corresponding basin management plans will be created.