SMES - EAST AFRICA COMES TO THE AID OF SMEs

SMES - EAST AFRICA COMES TO THE AID OF SMEs

Kenya is a young economy with majority of business owners falling in the Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) category. For someone entering the business world for the very first time the task can be daunting; even seasoned business people sometimes find the going tough and occasionally need a hand up. Small and Medium Enterprise Support – East Africa (SMES,EA) has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for SMEs.

At SMES-EA, we recognize that information is power. We offer businessmen/women information on the products and services available in the market that would take their business to the next level. Depending on one’s business requirements, we are able to advise accordingly. For instance, a young entrepreneur who is only interested in balancing his books or doing a business plan, but does not have time or the resources to attend a Diploma course in one of the commercial colleges is referred to a trainer offering the said service. Whatever your need be it training, marketing, accessing credit or just formalizing the nature of your operations, we have got the answers.

We work closely with GS1 Kenya to ensure local and regional growth oriented traders access the bar code facilities. Lucy owns a confectionery shop in Rongai. She makes delicious cakes, and she was determined to expand her market beyond the residents of Rongai. She dreamt of having her products retailing in the local supermarkets. Every time she approached the local supermarket she was told she needed barcodes. She would approach another supermarket hoping this time she would be ‘lucky’, but it was the same ‘bar code story’ all over again. She approached SMES, EA and, as a one-stop strategic referral centre for SMEs and having Referral Agency with strategic Partners like GS1 Kenya. She left GS1 Kenya with the Bar Codes, a very happy customer. As far as her business vision is concerned, to use a cliché, the sky is now the limit.

We have embarked on launching the first ever SMEs service providers’ handbook. These organizations from Banks, Insurers, Trading Corporations, NGOs and anybody dealing with SME related issues will get a chance to tell their target audience where they are and what they have to offer. We will Endeavour to ensure every part of the country is a recipient of this handbook.

The publication will be distributed free of charge through our select partnership with various National and regional apex SME and Youth sector Based organizations in Kenya. The Handbook will facilitate the growth of a vibrant service sector for the SMEs. By ensuring that SMEs are able to easily access these services means the service providers will receive much more business

We live in a competitive age, the customer is very discerning in his tastes. For any Entrepreneur to stay on top of the game and make good returns, they need to offer quality products and/or services. Market accessibility can only be addressed by tackling Product Quality, Design and Competitiveness. The small business owners should be assisted by Business Counseling, Mentoring and Exposure. The role of Business Development Support Services cannot be gainsaid and SMES, EA is determined to fill these big shoes.

We are happy to be associated with GS1 Kenya and look forward to a continued relationship towards uplifting the Small Businesses in Kenya and the East African Region in general

Lydia Njoroge
Programs Director
SMES/EA