Swaziland small enterprise support project (MITC/BMEP)

The objective of the 3-year project was twofold: develop the business skills of new entrepreneurs through a full-time training program, and strengthen the management skills of existing entrepreneurs through an extension program. BMEP was a new and innovative program for Swaziland. During the month of 5/89, a final evaluation for BMEP was sponsored by the Bureau for Private Enterprise and written by two Arthur Young consultants. The evaluation focused on client profiles, the credit program, staffing, training, management, and organizational structure. The consultants interviewed some 20 persons and researched various materials and documents on the program. Major findings are as follows. (1) There is a demonstrated client need and demand for the types of services offered by BMEP. (2) The training by BMEP fills a special niche in Swaziland: training and TA for small and micro-businesses and the development of new enterprises. (3) BMEP, with all of its success, has the potential to be the first indigenous NGO of its kind in Swaziland and plans to meet that goal are already underway. (4) BMEP is a young program that needs a chance to mature and grow into the refinement of strategies for creating and serving small businesses. (5) The program is developing a strong identity and is becoming known in the small/micro enterprise community among both potential clients and other organizations. (Author abstract)