As traditional financial
institutions become more involved in small business financing, the issue of business
support, a vital element in ensuring success of clients projects, has not been
adequately addressed. The National Development Foundation firmly believes that
the provision of business support, coupled with credit is critical to the success of small
and micro businesses. As such, we seek to fill this void with our
Business Support Center (BSC).
Through its extensive experience in
the delivery of credit, the Foundation has identified a number of weaknesses
which cause projects to fail. Among these are:
- Inconsistencies in the supply of
goods and serves
- Improper costing of goods and
services
- Lack of proper accounting records and
systems
- Lack of proper standards
- Inadequate entrepreneurial skills
- Attitudinal problems
- Literacy
The establishment of the BSC will strengthen and enhance our clients businesses by providing services to:-
- ensure
that efficient managements practices are maintained.
- ensure
proper accounting records are kept.
- provide
clerical support.
- improve
forecasting techniques.
- improve
quality and standards.
- market
assessments.
- effect
personnel based on requirements.
- hands
on assistance on technical matters.
- provide
technical information packages related to new and improved technology.
The BSC offers services under three broad headings.
- · Business Management Training and
Entrepreneurial Development
In
collaboration with the Training Officer and the Projects Officer the client's needs are assessed. This is communicated to the center through the Training Officer
who organizes workshops/seminars in that particular area.
Technical Assistance is provided through
the various organisations with which the Foundation has strategic alliances as well as
in-house technical expertise.
- · Management Accounting Center
The
Management Accounting Center handles
-
Accounting and Record Keeping
-
Counselling
-
Market Advice and Information
-
Production and Quality Analysis
-
Human Resource Management
