Supporting the development of a small and medium-sized companies sector in Poland and European Union

Abstract

In the first part of the article the role of a SME sector in all member countries of European Union has been presented, including Poland, the same as present standing and prospects of that important sector of national economy. In the next parts of the paper the essence and classification of methods used to support SME sector have been shown, along with the characteristics of institutions which deal with supporting this sector of economy in Poland and in chosen countries of European Union. In the summary the review of opportunities in the field of SME support has been made, resulting from accession of Poland into European Union.