BDS Provider Plan for SMEs
Target MSMEs:
This sample plan focuses on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the [insert specific
industry/sector, e.g., garment manufacturing] industry within [insert specific region, e.g., Addis
Ababa].
Identified Needs:
Based on needs assessments conducted through surveys and focus groups, the following key
needs were identified for the target SMEs:
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Business Skills Development:
o Marketing and sales strategies
o Financial management and bookkeeping
o Operations optimization and quality control
Access to Finance:
o Loan applications and financial proposal writing
o Alternative financing options (grants, crowd funding)
Digitalization:
o E-commerce platform adoption and online marketing
o Digital tools for inventory management and operations
Service Portfolio:
To address these needs, the following service bundles are offered:
Bundle 1: Business Fundamentals
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Training workshops:
o Marketing and sales strategies for SMEs
o Financial management for business growth
o Operations optimization and quality control techniques
Mentorship program: Connecting SMEs with experienced business professionals for
guidance.
Bundle 2: Access to Finance
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Loan application assistance:
o Guidance on preparing financial proposals and meeting lender requirements.
Financial literacy workshops:
o Understanding different financing options and their implications.
Connecting SMEs with potential investors: Facilitating introductions to angel
investors, venture capitalists, or grant programs.
Bundle 3: Digital Transformation
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E-commerce platform setup and training:
o Establishing online stores and managing online sales channels.
Digital marketing workshops:
o Leveraging social media and online advertising for business promotion.
Training on digital tools:
o Utilizing technology for inventory management, accounting, and customer
relationship management.
Delivery Plan:
Timeline: The program will be delivered over a period of 6 months.
Activities:
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Month 1-2: Needs assessment, service selection, and participant registration.
Month 3-4: Training workshops and mentorship program initiation.
Month 5: Individualized business consultations and financial assistance guidance.
Month 6: Monitoring progress, evaluation of impact, and feedback collection.
Resources:
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Personnel:
o Business development specialists
o Trainers with expertise in marketing, finance, operations, and digital technologies.
o Mentorship program coordinator.
Budget:
o Funding will be allocated for trainer fees, venue rentals, marketing materials, and
technology tools.
Technology:
o Online platform for program management, communication, and resource sharing.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
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KPIs:
o
o
o
o
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Number of SMEs trained and mentored.
Increase in sales or revenue for participating SMEs.
Number of SMEs securing financing.
Adoption of digital technologies by participating SMEs.
Feedback Mechanisms:
o Regular surveys and focus groups with participants.
o Individual feedback sessions to assess progress and address challenges.
Remember: This is a sample plan, and you should adapt it to your specific context, target
audience, and available resources.
Here are some additional considerations for customizing your plan:
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Location: Tailor services and delivery methods to the geographical reach of your target
SMEs.
Language and Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure training materials and communication are
accessible and culturally appropriate.
Sustainability: Explore partnerships, fee structures, or income-generating activities to
ensure the long-term viability of your BDS program.
By following these steps and adapting the sample plan, you can create a comprehensive and
effective BDS provider plan that empowers SMEs in your target market.
BDS Service Plan for SMEs
Target Audience:
This plan focuses on providing Business Development Services (BDS) to SMEs in [insert
specific industry/sector, e.g., hospitality] located in [insert specific region, e.g., Bahir Dar,
Ethiopia].
Needs Assessment:
Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the following key needs were identified for the
target SMEs:



Business Skills Development:
o Marketing and sales strategies
o Financial management and bookkeeping
o Operations optimization and quality control
Access to Finance:
o Loan applications and financial proposal writing
o Alternative financing options (grants, crowdfunding)
Digitalization:
o E-commerce platform adoption and online marketing
o Digital tools for inventory management and operations
Service Portfolio:
Based on the identified needs, the following service bundles are offered:
Bundle 1: Business Fundamentals

Training workshops:
o Marketing and sales strategies for SMEs
o Financial management for business growth
o Operations optimization and quality control techniques

Mentorship program: Connecting SMEs with experienced business professionals for
guidance.
Bundle 2: Access to Finance



Loan application assistance:
o Guidance on preparing financial proposals and meeting lender requirements.
Financial literacy workshops:
o Understanding different financing options and their implications.
Connecting SMEs with potential investors: Facilitating introductions to angel
investors, venture capitalists, or grant programs.
Bundle 3: Digital Transformation



E-commerce platform setup and training:
o Establishing online stores and managing online sales channels.
Digital marketing workshops:
o Leveraging social media and online advertising for business promotion.
Training on digital tools:
o Utilizing technology for inventory management, accounting, and customer
relationship management.
Delivery Plan:
Timeline: The program will be delivered over a period of [insert duration, e.g., 6 months].
Activities:




Month 1-2: Needs assessment, service selection, and participant registration.
Month 3-4: Training workshops and mentorship program initiation.
Month 5: Individualized business consultations and financial assistance guidance.
Month 6: Monitoring progress, evaluation of impact, and feedback collection.
Resources:



Personnel:
o Business development specialists
o Trainers with expertise in marketing, finance, operations, and digital technologies.
o Mentorship program coordinator.
Budget:
o Funding will be allocated for trainer fees, venue rentals, marketing materials, and
technology tools.
Technology:
o Online platform for program management, communication, and resource sharing.
Monitoring and Evaluation:

KPIs:
o
o
o
o

Number of SMEs trained and mentored.
Increase in sales or revenue for participating SMEs.
Number of SMEs securing financing.
Adoption of digital technologies by participating SMEs.
Feedback Mechanisms:
o Regular surveys and focus groups with participants.
o Individual feedback sessions to assess progress and address challenges.
Additional Considerations:



Customization: Adapt the service offerings and delivery methods to the specific needs of
the target SME industry and region.
Language and Culture: Ensure training materials and communication are accessible and
culturally appropriate.
Sustainability: Explore partnerships, fee structures, or income-generating activities to
ensure the long-term viability of the BDS program.
Remember: This is a sample plan, and you should adapt it to your specific context, target
audience, and available resources. By following these guidelines and tailoring the plan to your
unique situation, you can create an effective BDS program that empowers SMEs in your chosen
market.
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Here are the key steps involved in providing effective BDS for SMEs:
1. Needs Assessment:
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Identify your target audience: Define the specific industry, size, and location of SMEs
you want to support.
Conduct research: Gather data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to
understand the unique challenges and aspirations of your target SMEs.
Prioritize needs: Based on your research, pinpoint the most pressing needs like:
o Business skills development (marketing, finance, operations)
o Access to finance or markets
o Technology adoption and digitalization
o Compliance and regulatory support
2. Develop a Service Portfolio:
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Design service bundles: Create combinations of services that address multiple needs and
offer them at different price points to cater to diverse SME budgets.
o Consider including workshops, individual consultations, mentorship programs,
and access to online resources.
Examples:
o Bundle 1: Business Fundamentals (marketing, finance, operations training)
o Bundle 2: Access to Finance (loan application assistance, financial literacy
workshops)
o Bundle 3: Digital Transformation (e-commerce platform setup, digital marketing
training)
3. Delivery Plan:
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Set SMART goals: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound goals for each SME you support.
Outline activities and timelines: Detail the specific training, interventions, or support
you'll provide, along with realistic timelines for completion.
Resource allocation: Determine the personnel, budget, and any technology required to
deliver the services effectively.
4. Service Delivery:
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Implement your plan: Execute the training workshops, mentorship programs,
consultations, and other services as outlined.
Facilitate access to resources: Connect SMEs with relevant financial institutions,
technology providers, or industry experts.
Technology integration: Utilize online platforms, mobile apps, or digital tools to deliver
BDS services more efficiently and accessibly.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
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Track progress: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of
your services on SME growth (e.g., increased sales, job creation).
Gather feedback: Regularly collect feedback from SMEs throughout the process to
ensure your services remain relevant and adapted to their evolving needs.
Adapt and improve: Based on the feedback and evaluation results, continuously refine
your services and delivery methods for better effectiveness.
Additional Considerations:

Partnerships: Collaborate with other BDS providers, industry experts, or government
agencies to expand your reach and expertise.
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Sustainability: Consider how you'll ensure the long-term viability of your services
beyond the initial project or program. This might involve fee structures, incomegenerating activities, or partnerships.
Tailoring: Always adapt your services and delivery methods to the specific context,
target audience, and available resources.
By following these steps and continuously adapting your approach, you can provide valuable
BDS that empowers SMEs in your chosen market to thrive.
BDS Standards
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i) BDS Provider internal capacity guidelines
 The first standard focuses on competency and internal capacity for the BDS
providers, to address weak management practices within BDS provider
organisations and poor investability of BDS organisations. This standard will
focus on areas such as:
Leadership
Planning
Operations
Resource Management
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Leadership
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Planning
Operations
Talent / People
Money
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