However, there is some question as to whether there is a sufficient supply of competent, customized services for small businesses. If this occurs, the future demand may outstrip the supply. Some examples of services are the CEO total quality networks and the total quality director networks being run by the Maryland Center for Quality and Productivity, and the quality councils run for large firms by the Conference Board. These mechanisms reach only a small proportion of service providers. There is a real need to reach more providers with high quality information.
Many states subsidize assistance, thereby making it more affordable to small businesses.
The focus of service delivery has been primarily on large organizations. Materials, courses, etc. are expensive and time consuming. This is especially true for the small consultants and individual service providers that are most likely to be providing services to small businesses. Effective mechanisms do not exist to allow small businesses to be assured that the consultants they hire are competent. Some states are moving toward providing lists of consultants with names of their previous clients, so that the small businesses can check the consultants' track records.