OECS Export Development Unit Support Program for Business Support Organizations of the OECS

Background OECS-EDU is an institution of the OECS Secretariat, serving the 9 Member States OECS-EDU is mandated to increase exports from the region Achieved by enhancing the competitiveness of OECS products and services in domestic, regional and international markets.

Background - General Program of Technical Assistance Management Enhancement - management training and systemsManagement Enhancement - management training and systems Product Development – quality assurance/certification, product technology and plant modernizationProduct Development – quality assurance/certification, product technology and plant modernization Marketing – marketing plan formulation, market intelligence, market visits, and market access facilitationMarketing – marketing plan formulation, market intelligence, market visits, and market access facilitation

BSO Development Rationale Strategic Partner to assist in export expansion objective

Strategy Promoting Sustainability of BSOs via income-generating and training projects Collaboration for demand-driven TA Membership Mobilization thru high visibility Teaching how to fish

Work Program for Business Support Organizations (BSOs) Enhancing Strategic Capabilities Development of Promotional Programs Development of Promotional Programs Development of information dissemination through IT- enhanced capacities for internet-based conferencing Development of information dissemination through IT- enhanced capacities for internet-based conferencing Training of BSO personnel in strategic plan formulation and management skills Training of BSO personnel in strategic plan formulation and management skills Membership training Membership training

Work Program for Business Support Organizations (BSOs) Direct Support Participation in national, regional and international meetings and training opportunities, and membership mobilization activities. Delivery of training programs to BSO membership in areas identified as a result of cluster programs.

Highlights of Interventions/Support Twelve (12) BSOs targeted under PE2 (OECS Chambers of Commerce, Coalitions of Services, Manufacturers Associations, Cultural Industries ECCO, GIDC Launching of the Dominica Coalition of Service Industries (DCSI) Training in work plan development for the St. Kitts, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Dominica CSIs and Trade in Services Workshop in SVG. Training in services exporting for the Dominica and St. Kitts CSIs (which spawned a PR program)

Technical Assistance provided to the St. Lucia CSI to develop strategic plans for four (4) associations (ICT, Trainers & Facilitators, Health, Beauty & Spa, and Creative Industries); SLMA training in Information System Management. St. Lucia Manufacturing Assc. Support for Homecoming Exhibition & for Supervisory Development Workshop. Caribbean Export-supported Training in Proposal Writing delivered in St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Dominica, & Grenada

Technical Assistance Program for Emerging BSOs Sensitization campaigns and membership mobilization activities Training workshops - e.g. ask-the-experts symposiums, which can also be used as a means of fund-raising and proposal writing which can contribute to sustainability

Technical Assistance Program for Established BSOs Association development – formation of operational structures (bye-laws, codes of ethics), work plans, and strategic plans Management training Information dissemination e.g. website development Participation in national, regional, and international meetings and training opportunities Experts for short-term projects

Conclusion In order for this program of support to produce real benefits two options are available: Option 1 - Paid Staff* Option 2 - Very committed board of management

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THANKS!