Empretec's philosophy - http://www.empretec.net

Empretec is an integrated capacity building programme of UNCTAD that promotes the creation of sustainable support structures that help promising entrepreneurs build innovative and internationally competitive SMEs, thereby contributing to the development of the private sector. The basic strategy is to identify, screen and select high growth-oriented companies or "winners" and provide them with a comprehensive range of business development services to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness. Empretec is the Spanish acronym for "emprendedores" (entrepreneurs) and "technologia" (technology). The principles underlying the Empretec model are:

(i) Clear focus

The model targets a specific segment of the SME market rather than being all things to everybody. This provides a basis for defining the specific support needs of the particular target group in order to address those needs effectively.

(ii) Selectivity

The most critical element in the model is systematic process for identifying, screening and selecting high-growth enterprises who have the best chance of succeeding and thereby making maximum use of programme support and limited resources.

(iii) One-stop Enterprise Support Programme

The rationale behind the Empretec Model is to provide a service mix that is comprehensive enough to respond to the varied needs of an enterprise. It is also intended to promote a close relationship between the staff of the business support centre and its clients and to make the services offered relevant to the specific growth requirements of the clients. The hands-on approach to service delivery forms the basis of a long-term relationship between the client and the service provider and also enhances the ability to charge significant levels of fees for the services provided, albeit on an incremental scale.

In pursuit of its mission, the Institution provides services at two levels, namely:-

(a) Individual Level:

The programme starts by focusing on the entrepreneur as an individual. On the basis of written applications and focused interviews, a given number of participants enter the programme through a two-week entrepreneurship training workshop (ETW) which encourages the individuals to focus on their role as entrepreneurs and challenges them to critically examine their personal strengths and weaknesses.

(b) Enterprise Level:

The ETW is a powerful tool to demonstrate to the entrepreneurs the difference between merely running a business and building a growth-oriented enterprise.

However, it is not enough. The two-week experience leaves the participants keyed up and highly motivated, ready to "innovate" and to bring about change in their respective business, and with a more objective and critical perception of their personal and business performance.

Equipped with new understanding of concepts such as Innovation, Quality and Networking, the entrepreneurs are in a better position to examine the different processes in their businesses and consider areas for improvement. But they are not always able to correctly identify and diagnose potential problems or know where to turn for help. This is where additional business support services and individual follow-ups come handy.
At the enterprise level, post-entrepreneurship training follow-up services which focus on delivering business solutions are given.

 (iv) Network of consultants

 In order to service a large client base, an extensive network of local consultants is established to support the staff of the business support centre in the delivery of the services.

 (v) Strategic Alliances and Credible Advisory Board

The model is built on the principle of developing a strong, pro-active multiple stakeholder coalition of key private sector companies and intermediaries; government; public institutions; non-government organisations and international donor agencies.  This consortium of institutions and private sector intermediary agencies at the national level ensures that the Institution receives full support for the implementation of its programmes.

 (vi) Network of Clients.

To facilitate interaction and business linkages amongst clients, the programme assists participating companies to establish a client’s network or association.  The network also serves as a feedback mechanism to prove the quality of services offered to the clients.

 (vii) Sustainability

The Institution is expected to attain financial sustainability within 3 years of its inception.  Today, one after inauguration, the institution covers approximately 20% of its operating expenses from internally generated funds.

 

"Systems have freed  me, my profits are up and I now have time for myself & my family."

“Since I attended the Entrepreneurship Training Workshop, I have never looked back! Before the training I was extremely stressed and even had no time for my family and myself. I was always busy fire fighting and this gave me no time to contemplate the future of my company. I learnt many things at the workshop and what I value most is the ability to create and maintain systems. Systems have freed me and as a result I am getting the best out of my employees, my profits are going up, the work place is a happy one and I now have time for my children and myself. I have recommended the course to many of my friends who have noted my positive change. I hope they too can have the same opportunity that I had.”

Charlotte Kamugisha

Managing Director, Bunyonyi Safaris Ltd.

bunyonyi@utlonline.co.ug