Support to the network of SME Development Agencies

Location

Russian Federation

Duration

1997 - 1998

Donor

European Commission - Tacis

Budget

500.000 EURO

Description and Deliverables

The overall objectives of the project were to assist SMEs in the regions of the Russian Federation by strengthening the skills and potential of the network of regional SME Development Agencies set up under a previous Tacis project. The Agencies have been upgraded as the direct target group for the project, SME entrepreneurs in the regions as the indirect target groups. The specific objectives were:

To improve the effectiveness of SMEDAs so that advice and training standards approach EU standards
To establish/strengthen 4 specified agencies
To develop women's entrepreneurship
To strengthen the Tacis/Russian Government DA network

Co-ordination and monitoring of all training activities, including the training for trainers at central level and the training for entrepreneurs provided at agency level
Comprehensive policy advice to the management of the Development Agencies to strengthen their institutional framework and their training and advisory capacities
Provision of recommendations on business planning and investment issues which are of key importance to the SMEs in the Irkutsk region
Supervision and monitoring