Finish the following sentences. You can use your own ideas, as long as the sentence is grammatical. Compare your answers to the complete sentences, which can be found in the text.

1. We should not underestimate ...

2. It is this argument which ...

3. It is important that ...

4. We need people who are willing ...

5. These are people who provide employment to ...

6. They promote economic growth by ...

7. They are also investing ...

8. The better the support. the ...

The country needs small and medium-sized companies now more than ever, Discuss.

When we read the newspapers, it seems like the world is made up of large multinational companies, such as Starbucks, Apple and Google. Although these certainly contribute to the economy on a large scale, we should not underestimate the long-term value of small and medium-sized enterprises. After all, these might become the international brands of the future, while helping to maintain the economy in the meantime.

It is this argument which is the reason for the many schemes and the different forms of help that the government has traditionally provided for start-ups, completely new businesses operating at a local level. They provide, for example, financial incentives, low business rents and help with writing a business plan. Other examples are the provision of business consultants who help with the initial market research, the analysis of competitors' products and prices, and advise on company structure. At a time where government money is drying up, it is important that this support continues.

It is especially in a recession that we need brave people with big ideas, who are willing to take a risk to fill a gap in the market or to respond to a growing consumer need. These entrepreneurs are people who provide employment to their local community. In other words, they promote economic growth by investing in others as well as themselves.

If local and national governments are prepared to invest in new businesses, they are also investing in the economic growth of the country. The better the support, the more likely it will be that the business will become one of the 40% of companies that survive their first five years in business. Surely that is exactly what is needed in these times of economic downturn.