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What is the project about?
The project is about improving the provision of Business Development Services (BDS) for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Mohali-Panchkula-Chandigarh engineering cluster, and establishing sustainable linkages between BDS providers and engineering industries.
Whose initiative is it?
The project is assisted by the World Bank, DFID, KFW and GTZ, and being implemented by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on behalf of SIDBI.
What is the time frame of the project?
The project will be implemented over a period of 32 months starting from April 2009..
What are ‘Business Development Services’?
‘Business Development Services’ (BDS) are the many kinds of services used by entrepreneurs to help them operate efficiently and expand their businesses. The services could be focused on skills development; product development; productivity and diversification; access to finance; access to markets; energy efficiency; compliances—to quality, environment and social standards; infrastructure facilitation; supply of inputs; and market linkages.
How will the project be implemented?
The project will be implemented through a strategy that closely involves the various stakeholders in the tri-city cluster. The first step is to identify the needs of the cluster through a diagnostic study. An action plan will then be drawn up and duly validated by the stakeholders in order to address the identified needs. A detailed inventory of BDS providers—present and potential—will be prepared. Activities will be implemented to strengthen and enhance the outreach of existing BDS providers, as well as to build the capacities of existing and potential service providers. Special attention will be paid to develop local service providers within the cluster; forge linkages between local industry and service providers; and strengthen local institutions. Wherever possible, public–private partnership (PPP) arrangements are being explored while rolling out BDS. The project will focus in particular on finding efficient ways to work with government- supported institutions in the intervention areas.
Who are the target groups under the project?
The target groups for the project comprise:
- Existing BDS providers – institutional and commercial
- MSME units
- Business Membership Organizations (BMOs)
- Support institutions of the government
- Cluster associations
What will be the major focus areas of the project?
The project seeks to identify and strengthen BDS providers, both institutional and commercial, in the following major areas:
- Management training
- Worker training
- Counseling/advisory services
- Financial and taxation advice
- Accountancy and book-keeping
- Specialized software development or training
- Internet-based business information
- Website development
- End-to-end business solutions
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