This study aims to guide policy-makers and programme managers of SME training funding schemes through the difficult process of designing and implementing such a scheme. It reviews the set-up, funding and functioning of four established SME training schemes in Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland and the United States and highlights the differences in their design, and the pros and cons of different design choices. In particular partners of the ILO`s Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Programme that offers a training and consulting intervention to the growing number of SMEs should be interested in this study.