A.I.D grant no. PDC-0012-G-SS-9007-00 to the International Executive Service Corps for the continuation of the worldwide volunteer executive (VE) program providing management and technical assistance to private enterprises in developing countries

IESC will focus 50% of its projects on small businesses. Under the VE program, retired or non-retired U.S. executives will provide TA/training to client enterprises on a one-on-one basis (except in the case of microenterprises, which will be grouped together). These training programs, which vary in length from 1-6 weeks, will cover various fields, inter alia: office management, employee benefits, quality control, computers, and marketing. IESC will provide free training materials obtained from U.S. businesses, though some (e.g., audiovisual equipment) may require a small user fee. At the completion of her/his assignment, the volunteer will conduct a seminar for local private sector support groups, e.g., Chambers of Commerce. IESC will pay special attention to women-owned businesses, rural enterprises, agribusinesses, and labor-intensive industries, and will explore opportunities for involvement in the privatization efforts of developing countries. To reach new enterprises, IESC will collaborate with local Chambers of Commerce, producer and manufacturer associations, and business and technical schools. Finally, IESC will provide direct assistance to A.I.D./W and USAID"s when requested and will continue to develop innovative approaches to service delivery, e.g., the use of multiple VE"s in longer sectoral programs, development of programs jointly benefiting both U.S. and LDC entrepreneurs, provision of assistance to private sector health care and educational institutions, etc.