SMALL businesses owners can now access operational and strategic business development services, thanks to the introduction of an online platform ‘Bizfundi’ by the investment and enterprise programme, ENGINE.
The Deputy Chief of Party ENGINE
programme, Mr Scott Benett, said the platform bridges the knowledge gap
between business development services providers and micro, small and
medium enterprises.
“The online platform will also enable
micro, small and medium enterprises to better access the information,
support and financing they need while services providers and financial
institutions will gain access to a large network of potential
customers.”
He said so far there are 200 registered
business owners and business development services providers on the
platform. He said ENGINE is a four-year USAID funded activity that
increases private sector investment leading to inclusive and broad based
economic growth in the SAGCOT regions of Mbeya, Morogoro, Iringa and
Zanzibar.
He said Bizfundi will foster the growth
and capacity of a sustainable market for business development services
by ensuring micro, small and medium enterprises can easily access
assistance to strengthen their operations.
“As part of ENGINE’s financing for
growth component we are working to broaden access to finance for small
businesses as the online platform will create a link with financial
institutions,” he added.
ENGINE is currently developing a credit
readiness services that will enable micro, small and medium enterprises
to access credit for their businesses. As part of the services,
registered micro, small and medium enterprises will have their profiles
linked directly with a network of financial institutions on the
platform.
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