In societies where commercial competition is accepted as an economic system, there is a closerelationship between the healthy operation ofthe system and the existence and power of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) within the system. Most SMEs positively contribute to thesystem since they can fulfill several functions
not achieved by large enterprises (MacGregor,2004, p. 10).
SMEs are not merely economic elements; they also have vital roles in social life. Because of the fact that SMEs spread to a large area in the country,they act as a critical power in lessening regional