SME Services

                                               Services for SMEs

A 10 year strategy for the development of priority sectors, innovation and expert-driven growth

Objective

To provide a modern SME support environment developing a range of national support services through an integrated network of specialised services

The creation of an enabling environment ensuring that Lebanon becomes one of the best business environments in the world requires not only appropriate policy, legislation and financing instruments but also a range of programmes and services that bridge the gap between policy formulation and its impact on SMEs. The design and implementation of such services is the primary focus of this element of the Integrated SME Support Programme.

Our intention is to develop a range of national support services delivered through an integrated network of specialised services, with a primary focus on innovative, high potential, export oriented businesses that have the potential to create significant added value or jobs within the economy and to act as role models to other SMEs. 

The main aims of the component are:

• The design and development of a range of national support services and schemes that will assist the development of a dynamic SME sector.
• The creation of a national network of qualified and accredited specialist SME service delivery specialists.
• The establishment of four Business Development Centres with a primary focus on incubation that will form the nucleus of the services delivery network.
• The development of entrepreneurship curricula and programmes at University, Vocational and second level education levels that fosters a “can do” enterprise culture.

It is crucial that Lebanon fosters the creation, development and internationalisation of high potential, innovative enterprises that will become the cornerstone of its economic prosperity. Other than in special cases this will not happen without state sponsored support services, schemes and facilities that will be the outcome of this programme. This will demand the active support and commitment not only of the Lebanese Government but also the private sector stakeholders in whose interest the initiatives will be implemented.

The SME Support Unit welcomes the contributions of the business community and anyone wishing to comment or contribute should in the first instance contact: sme-info@economy.gov.lb

What we plan to do

    Cluster 3 OWP
    Cluster 3 AWP

Progress to Date

•        Four BDCs are being established (Beirut, Tripoli, Saida and Zahle) privately owned and operated

•        Each BDC is receiving technical support and a grant of 700,000 Euros. A call for proposals has been launched in response to which applications have been received from interested parties. Following a period of appraisal and review by an independent evaluation committee, four winning consortia have been chosen. The contracts for the four business development centres have been signed with the four successful consortia as follows:

•        Over 320,000 Euros has been disbursed to each of the four regions

•     The BDCs are providing business support services in addition to creating the conditions for clustering effect and increased networking

•        Representatives from the BDCs have accompanied members of the SME Unit and other institutions on study missions to Belgium, England, Ireland and Jordan to see best practice in the establishment of business development centres and incubators. (Coming soon)  Photos

•       Support to companies-members of the SME Unit and the Technical Assistance Team have been giving assistance and guidance to various small businesses

•        A review of entrepreneurship curricula has taken place

(Coming soon) 

Announcement

Reports

Events