The EDC plays a pivotal role in identifying opportunities and facilitating the development of SMEs for their participation in the oil and gas sector. The key stages in the process are:
SMEs formally register with the EDC including describing the goods and services they provide and their experience and qualifications. With these details available, the EDC will review the oil companies' and contractors' requirements and indentify the most relevant opportunities for each SME.

The SME and EDC will review the relevant minimum standards that the SME will be required to attain if the SME is to be considered for inclusion in the oil companies' and contractors' procurement processes. Then, if required, the EDC will provide advice and certain training to the SME and arrange provision of other developmental support from third parties.

When the training and development activities have been completed, the EDC will communicate this to the oil companies and contractors who will consider including the SME in their procurement processes.