This study indicates that e-commerce presents a promising avenue for organizations to navigate the challenges of an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. Despite its potential, SMEs in developing countries remain hesitant and slow in adopting e-commerce technologies, often due to skepticism and structural limitations. Internal barriers—such as lack of awareness, skills, and strategic planning—can typically be addressed within the organization. In contrast, external barriers—such as inadequate infrastructure, policy gaps, and regulatory challenges—require intervention from government bodies or collaborative efforts among SMEs. This paper introduces a conceptual model for overcoming these barriers, developed through a synthesis of existing literature, exploratory pilot studies, and a comprehensive survey. In addition to identifying the key obstacles, the research highlights the types of support SMEs require to successfully transition toward e-commerce adoption. The methodology and initial findings provide valuable insights into the digital readiness of SMEs in developing economies and offer a foundation for future policy and strategic interventions.