ILO ropes in small biz

The programme is an integrated business support programme with three components: training, counselling and networking. It is aimed to assist entrepreneurs and their enterprises to develop a growth strategy for the business as well as strengthen business systems in areas of strategic planning, marketing, operations and human resources, develop a clear growth plan and link entrepreneurs up to business and finance partners they may require. The programme is flexible and responsive to the local market needs of SMEs.

The EYB programme is implemented through partner institutions with a mandate for entrepreneurship development and targets businesses with growth potential, which employ a maximum of 100 employees and which have basic management systems in place, such as stock control and record keeping. The programme is already in use in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

In addition to the EYB programme, the ILO also offers a “Start and Improve Your Business Programme” for micro entrepreneurs.