Conceived in 1996, the Center for Small Entrepreneurs (CSE) was registered as a not for profit, non-stock organization (NGO) on January 31, 1997. Propelled by the belief that micro and small entrepreneurs have the capability to become potent economic forces and share in the task of nation - building, the Asian Social Institute and the Association for Technical Cooperation, a Belgian NGO, founded CSE to serve as a service center for budding, vision-driven and growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

The Center’s main thrust and focus is the development and empowerment of the enterprising poor. CSE believes that the vulnerable micro and small entrepreneurs can develop themselves if given the opportunity and proper resources.

CSE wants to stimulate and promote entrepreneurship and therefore, supports the development and improvement of the basic business management skills of the entrepreneurs engaged in growth-oriented micro and small enterprises.