SMALL ENTERPRISE PROMOTION AGENCY SENPA AND ITS ROLE ACHIEVEMENTS CONSTRAINTS CHALLENGES PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

SMALL ENTERPRISE PROMOTION AGENCY SENPA AND ITS ROLE ACHIEVEMENTS CONSTRAINTS CHALLENGES PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

WHAT IS SENPA? Created in August 2004, the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SEnPA) has the role to promote and develop small enterprises, craft and cottage industries in Seychelles

The Vision Statement Our vision is to see the small enterprises of Seychelles as being one of the main contributors to the economy by producing and delivering to a high standard quality products and services that are fully competitive at both the local and international level.

The Mission Statement Our mission is to improve the business environment in order to motivate, encourage and facilitate entrepreneurship in small enterprises and to provide the necessary structures for their sustainable growth. We also intend to continually develop small enterprise marketing expertise in order to increase local and international competitiveness and to undertake research and development on a wide range of small business development concerns.

Business Objectives To implement the government policy on small business development. To promote the development of craft and cottage industries. To oversee the construction and management on completion of all infrastructure relating to micro enterprise projects. To identify obstacles to the sustainable development of small enterprises, craft and cottage industries. To provide training and other business advisory services to all small enterprises.

Business Services Business Counseling Services Assist cottage (micro) and small business entrepreneurs with their business concepts. Counsel and guide both potential and existing small business entrepreneurs. Assist small business entrepreneurs by identifying impediments and how to maximize opportunities in small business development. Facilitate the setting up of small business enterprises. 5

Marketing Guidance Business Services Provision of Marketing advice and guidance Preparation of the Marketing plan Organize local trade Fairs for Artisans Availability of sales outlets to allow artisans to launch and test market their products : Camion Hall Artisan Shop : Airport Artisan Shop (Departure Lounge)

Achievements New PIE building complex for twelve new Micro Enterprise completed. Completion of Micro Enterprise complex for six small enterprises at a Port Glaud. Set up two sales outlets for Artisans to test market their products. Revival of Bi-lateral cooperation.

Achievements Successful implementation of regular events such as trade fairs and exhibitions. Established the Small Business Awards for successful entrepreneurs Launching of several small business associations. Training workshops and capacity building programmes established.

Constraints Lack of qualified personnel in the Agency. Budgetary constraints. Utilizing the Government Centralized account for payment to Artisans. Lack of space for workshops. Lengthy credit facility procedures for new business start ups.

Challenges Partnership with Dept of Environment to work on the continued replenishment of raw materials used for local products. Difficulty in getting local producers to meet quality product standards. Accession to the WTO in terms of impact on the SME sector.

Challenges Organizing promotional activities on the other islands. Reducing the impact of imported artisanal products vis a vis local products. Partnership with institutions promoting entrepreneurship training.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ACTION PLAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Prepare a detailed project memorandum for the funding of our small business incubation programme. Establish a small business one stop shop technical information centre. This will impact on the world trade index rating on starting up a business in Seychelles. TIME FRAME The project details will need to be submitted by mid April 2011. Project implementation phase by the end of December 2011. The small business technical information centre will be operational by the end of December 2011.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ACTION PLAN TIME FRAME SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Source capacity building training for export development through regional study tours workshops/ and seminars. MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Implementation of a quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO certification. Exposure to export capacity building will be undertaken throughout 2011. Initial introductory training can be undertaken by July 2011 and implementation by the end of December 2011.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ACTION PLAN TIME FRAME SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Project Certificate in Entrepreneurship Skills for Small Businesses (CESSB) in partnership with SIM MANAGEMENT /OPERATIONS Revise the Agency s operational standards and ensure that they are fully documented and up to date. The training modules (17) which make up the programme are currently being finalized and should be finalized by August 2011. 15

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ACTION PLAN TIME FRAME MANAGEMENT /STAFF DEVELOPMENT Implementation of a performance management system in order to increase performance standards at all levels of the organization which will compliment the quality management system. A programme outline has already been established. Training sessions can commence mid year 2011.

SMALL ENTERPRISE PROMOTION AGENCY Thank you for your Attention