The Rationale for the Enterprise Assistance Fund
The Business Development Unit is committed to the empowerment of individuals and communities in order to achieve National Development, by fostering financial independence and sustained improvement in living conditions. This Enterprise Assistance Fund is but one of a range of services and resources geared towards the support of existing and potential entrepreneurs.
Approach
A. The Business Development Unit views itself as a partner in each of the projects in which it becomes involved. The well-being of its clients is its main focus. In this regard, the focus of the Unit is two-fold:
i. The sustainability of the client’s venture; and
ii. Its impact on the community
This approach will ensure that the full social and economic benefits of the partnership can be realized.
TARGET MARKET
A. The preferred market for the Enterprise Assistance Fund is the creative, innovative entrepreneur in areas of service and manufacturing. Primarily, the Fund identifies four (4) distinct categories as its core target groups:
i. The ‘regular’ entrepreneur shopping his ideas/proposals in search of funding;
ii. The disenfranchised individuals who, by virtue of their inability to access capital or support, have difficulty pursuing their entrepreneurial option;
iii. Using the concept of peer-group lending, loans will be made available to community or other groups with sound business ideas. These groups should however, have been established for a period of at least one (1) year, and;
iv. Companies that have been in existence for at least (2) years.
B. The BDU encourages proposals in the following areas of Enterprise:
i. Manufacturing
ii. Service Oriented Projects
- Graphic, Web Design and Marketing
- Catering
- Events Management
- Sanitation
- Vehicle Services
- Cleaning Companies
- Restaurants
III. Community Cluster Production
iv. Art and Craft
v. Fashion and Design
vi. Garment / Textiles Manufacturing (whole scale approach)
vii. Agro / Fish Processing E.g. Packaging, preserving (value added aspects of the fishing industry)
vii. Retail Services e.g.
- Dry goods – commercial / retail (security demanded must be at the highest allowable amount; and each case would be analyzed on its own merit)
- Food – fruits, vegetables, meats (mini marts)
ix. Tourism Sector Services e.g.
- Tours, reef boats, dive shops
- Game fishing, charters
- Taxi, maxi, vehicle rentals, limousines
x. Trade Related Activities
- To get products and services export-ready to meet international standards in order to penetrate foreign markets.
