The development of small satellite technology has been rapid and an increasing number of non-space faring jurisdictions stand to benefit directly from this technology leap. While some of these states constitute geographically 'smaller' states - and are therefore 'small jurisdictions,' others are by nature larger, but share the lack of infrastructure required to embrace traditional space solutions. For such countries, moving towards the small satellite sector constitutes a clear advantage and opportunity to integrate the benefits that space technology brings into their general governance and national needs. Creating new capabilities in this sector is essential, not only in the technical field. Currently, some of the recent accession states to the European Union which are also non-space faring States, are being actively encouraged to move towards membership of Europe's own regional space agency, the European Space Agency. This is being done by means of a specially tailored programme, the Programme for European Cooperation States (PECS). This may develop into a prototype for capacity development for other non-space states. The particular ESA approach to funding space projects and the principle of geo-return, might form models for other states looking to develop capacity in the satellite developer and operator community. It is, therefore, only a question of time until other regional or national space agencies offer equivalent opportunities.