The importance of SMEs

The other day, I received a newsletter from Patagonia highlighting the value of small businesses. It said this:

“We like to partner with dealers who are experts at outfitting folks for their favorite outdoor activities or trips abroad. Some have been with us since the beginning (over 50 years). They host community events, support conservation efforts and share their knowledge of the region. Please buy local this Small Business Saturday.”

It made me think about small businesses in general – both those in Catalonia (like ours) and around the world – because we all share similar characteristics.

What are the qualities of SMEs?

1- Our customers are very important to us.

We take care of them and treat them with respect and kindness. Many of the customers who started with us in the beginning are still part of our project today, and we’re truly grateful for that. We maintain a close relationship with all of them. Check out our clients page.

2- Our collaborators are equally important.

At LocalizationLab, we deeply value our translators, layout designers, engineers, and project managers. They’re an essential part of our project. We work with the same linguists and professionals whenever possible – we know them well, and they know us. Here are some testimonials they’ve shared with us:

Anne-Sophie (France): “Rosa and Montserrat are among the most kind and professional people I have been collaborating with for several years. You can work with them with total confidence.”

Susana (Portugal): “A highly competent team, seriously committed to support the translation process with well-maintained TMs, reference material, queries to the client. Payments always on time.”

Bruno (France): “I work with LocalizationLab on regular projects and it’s always a pleasure. Interesting projects, pleasant and responsive team, payments on time as agreed. Highly recommended.”

Carlos (Brazil): “I have been working with this agency on a regular basis since 2014. Good communication. Professional and reliable. Payment always on time. A pleasure to work with Montserrat and Rosa.”

Sunny (South Korea): “Willing to work again with this company. Availability check earlier, and planned tasks assignment with reasonable working days, Clear payment on time.”

Nadine (France): “Very nice treatment and very serious”

Jo (USA): “Professional agency, friendly, communicative, payment on time.”

Georgois (Greece): “Friendly, kind, and helpful staff, payment as agreed always on time. Willing to work again with this agency. Thanks!”

Annie (Belgium): “LocalizationLab is a great team – interesting projects, clear instructions, great reference documents and information links, great rates, and of course prompt payments :)”

Pavel (Poland): “I completed a review project for the LocalizationLab. Interesting assignment, good communication, payment made on time. I am looking forward to our next project together!”

Yu (China): “Interesting projects, professional PM and punctual payment. It’s been a real pleasure working with this company. Thanks Montserrat. :)”

Sue (South Korea): “Happy to work for this company – breathable deadline, pleasant communication, and hassle free payment. Even better, they respect us!”

3- We put our heart and soul into every project.

We strive to do the best job possible, finding solutions to any challenges that arise so we can deliver the highest quality.

4- We have learned to do everything within the company.

From finding clients and developing marketing strategies to managing administrative and financial tasks.

5- We’re constantly training.

We train to keep up with technological innovations that make us more efficient and help us provide better services to our clients.

6- We’re highly flexible.

We adapt to our clients’ needs and preferences. They decide how they want to work – in which languages, formats, and processes – and we guide them while they make the final call.

7- We have a strong capacity for entrepreneurship, development, and growth.

We decide where we want to go and how to get there.

8- We create job opportunities in a professional, fair, and responsible way.

What is a SME?

A small business or enterprise typically has between 0 and 50 employees. A company with 50 to 250 employees is considered medium-sized, and one with more than 250 employees is considered large. In 2024, there were 298,915 businesses with between 1 and 50 employees in Catalonia. In Spain overall, there are about 3 million. According to the UN, 90% of companies worldwide are SMEs. Together, they employ more than 60% of the workforce and generate 50% of the world’s GDP. “These types of companies are an essential source of employment, income, and local development, especially for women, young people, and people in vulnerable situations. Their size and flexibility help create stronger, more equitable, and sustainable communities.”

On June 27, 2025, Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day was celebrated in Geneva, where it was noted that: “Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the unsung heroes of the global economy, driving innovation, promoting growth, and supporting communities through crises and change. As the world navigates economic uncertainty and digital transformation, micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. This year, we honor their enduring impact by spotlighting their vital role in job creation, local empowerment, and innovation. From family-run shops to tech-driven startups, MSMEs embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and represent the backbone of national economies.”

SMEs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Goal 8 focuses on creating quality jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering economic growth that benefits everyone. Decent work means opportunities for everyone to get work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration.”

Conclusion

We are small, but the work we do is big – big in terms of its importance, its positive impact, the wealth it creates and promotes, the difficulties it overcomes, and the challenges it faces.

Bibliography:

https://ipyme.org/es-es/Paginas/noticias-detalles-simple.aspx?idnoticia=720

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://ipyme.org/Publicaciones/Retrato%20de%20la%20PYME/Retrato-PYME-DIRCE-1-enero-2023.pdf

https://www.un.org/es/observances/micro-small-medium-businesses-day

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/economic-growth/

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/msmes_day_2025_concept_note_and_agenda_geneva_icsb.pdf