In contrast to many national and international SME support programmes, Empretec does not define its target group by assets, turnover, or number of employees. The beneficiaries are identified on the basis of both their personal entrepreneurial competencies and their innovative approach to business.

The direct beneficiaries of the Empretec Programme include existing SMEs that have a track record of good business performance, potential entrepreneurs with promising business ideas, and start-up companies with good bankable project proposals. It is expected that the individual development of the entrepreneurs that takes place during an ETW will lead to SME growth, linkages with larger enterprises including transnational corporations (TNCs), job creation, increased investment, and regional economic development.

EMPRETEC OPERATES UNCTAD BUSINESS LINKAGES’ PROGRAMME

Business linkages between large enterprises such as transnational corporations and local suppliers are channels for the transfer of technology, knowledge and skills required by host economies.
Suppliers trained by the local Empretec centres can gain access to relevant business services that will make them partnership-ready. With guidelines from the large firms, Empretec monitors these suppliers’ day-to-day operations and encourages continuous learning and innovation. Among the activities offered within the Business Linkages programme are specialized seminars and training courses that focus on technical and entrepreneurial skills that are of particular importance for achieving successful partnerships with large enterprises.

CREATING MICROENTREPRENEURS

Empretec has been adapted for use with communities and groups with low literacy levels. The basic course is shortened from 72 hours to 32 hours, and exercises and training materials are based on visual information.

WORKING WITH YOUTH

Empretec also supports the development of curricula in formal education programmes. In some countries, Empretec’s methodology
has been selected by governments to develop curricula for primary and secondary schools on the strength of its excellent, decade-spanning track record. Empretec participates in the Global Entrepreneurship Week - a global initiative to inspire young people around the world to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity.

‘INTRAPRENEURSHIP’ IDENTIFIES ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITHIN BUSINESSES AND INSTITUTIONS

Large enterprises and government institutions in countries undergoing economic reforms are
exposed to significant changes. Managers with entrepreneurial attitudes – “intrapreneurs” – are increasingly needed to help these large companies develop competitive strategies and achieve their goals. Empretec trains:

• Mid-level and top managers to identify business opportunities;
• Employees of companies in the process of privatization, and/or downsizing and outsourcing, so that they can significantly reduce staff and increase efficiency; and
• Employees who have lost their jobs and who are willing to start their own businesses.