Results from a wide range of projects, studies and of discussions with SME representatives and consultants show that the situation of many SMEs particularly in new member states like Romania and Hungary is very precarious. The main cause for this is their lack of skills and competences in many domains. Life Long Learning (LLL) processes and structured strategies for change and innovation which are necessary to improve this situation are largely absent in many European SMEs. To help remedy this situation much effort is still required on the European level to raise awareness and to provide proven concepts and instruments to SME managers, consultants and other service providers. The proposed project is mainly a dissemination and valorisation project of best practices and results of successful eLearning, Leonardo and national projects from recent years, including work undertaken by national and European networks like the German D-ELAN, Irish Skillsnets, Aqua TT. to develop and improve LLL strategies and guidelines for SMEs.One key factor for implementing LLL strategies and concepts in SMEs and other organisations and which has been largely neglected until now is to examine the “LLL-readiness” of the organisations concerned. Much work has been conducted into the readiness of the individual learner to embrace self directed learning through the use of Guglieminos self directed learning readiness scale. In addition research has been performed in the area of e-learning readiness and the individual’s willingness to engage in such (McVay, 2000 Watkins et al, 2004). Each of these focuses on the learning willingness of the individual and not the organisation. Those of which do examine the readiness do provide a means to assess the organisations readiness to utilise e-learning however they neglect to prescribe a method to facilitate those which are at low levels of readiness to progress and introduce learning (Rosenberg, 2000).The omission of “readiness” as a main reason for the limited success of e-learning and LLL strategies in creating sustainability has also been one of the findings of the SIMPEL project. The project proposed here will, therefore, focus on methods to establish degrees of LLL readiness in SMEs and on a step-by-step approach to implement LLL according to different levels of readiness, at the same time working towards higher levels of readiness. In combination with the models and guidelines developed by the SIMPEL project best-practice experiences with readiness will be disseminated and valorised in regional, national and European workshops and in discussions with experts. The result will be a proven package of recommendations for successfully introducing and maintaining LLL in SMEs.