When a small organization (VSE) tackles a software process improvement (SPI) initiative, the model that is used least is the one that would guide the process improvement. We believe that this is a great failing, because it is precisely a model of this type that is the guide which is needed to articulate all the activities related to that improvement. In this vein, to support VSEs, as well as to guide them in detail when they wish to carry out SPI initiatives, we have developed an integrated improvement framework. We have done this by taking into account widely recognized frameworks and the special characteristics of VSEs. This paper introduces that improvement framework, its components and its relationship with the COMPETISOFT project. Furthermore, through case studies, it describes our experience of the application of the proposed framework in eight firms. The initial results show that it is useful, practical and suitable for addressing SPI initiatives in VSEs.