There is a need for small indigenous software companies to improve their software process. Consequently, much has been written highlighting the deficiencies in the more popular Software Process Improvement (SPI) models where the small company is concerned. However, there has been little discussion about the characteristics that should be included in SPI models to make them useful for the small company. In this paper, the author proposes an SPI model for use in small software development companies. The eight characteristics that were required to exist in the model are examined and reasons for their successful inclusion presented.