Afghan Small Bus - Core Program Descriptions

	Core Program Descriptions
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Problems we are trying to solve in Afghanistan Program for Women Expansion Plan of Operations Definitions of Key Terms Afghanistan Economic Facts
	Our program involves a series of service categories that assist a person or group develop their entrepreneurial venture (micro-enterprise or small business) in incremental steps to become self-sufficient. These include:
	Charity Grants	Opportunity Analysis	Education: Skills, Business, & Trade	Funding & Operations	Consulting Advice
	P1 - Charity Grants - Direct Aide Some program applicants, due to their dire conditions, may require grants that allow them the opportunity to develop their business concept more fully. Even though our business mission is to provide credit and education, we understand that in a post-war / conflict situation, some extraordinary exceptions may have to be accommodated; however, these will be limited because they tend to be a disincentive to hard work. When necessary, we may provide direct aid to address people�s basic needs for survival to create the right atmosphere for them to be able to develop their micro-enterprise or small business. Aid may be as little as $15 per month and may not exceed beyond three months. The client has to register, answering a few simple questions about their situation and idea. The information is reviewed and an approval for aid is granted within 24 hours, while a business opportunity idea is developed for them.
	P2 - Opportunity Analysis The second step is to identify and assess business opportunities. The opportunities can either be proposed to us by the individuals (or groups) or by us to them. We try to put together a cooperative (5-member group) so that people can rely on each other�s skills, support as well as provide internal controls and accountability. The criteria used for evaluating an opportunity or idea are: Is there a market and niche for the business proposal that is submitted? Is there a sufficient customer base to support the operations of the business? Will the business be able to effectively deal with its competition? Are the members of the management and operations group of the business skilled enough to operate the business? Can they demonstrate the skills? Can they develop skills?
	P3 - Training and Education Depending on what we think is feasibly possible, preparation and education may be needed to increase the likelihood of success. Skills Enhancement Training If necessary, skills enhancement training or apprenticeship training may be provided to help the person or group learn the skills necessary to run the business. Local experts are tapped for their expertise as contractors in trades such as: Sewing Creative Needlepoint Designs Pottery Tailoring House Repairs � Roofing and Painting Shoe Repair Masonry Bakery Carpentry Transportation Delivery Service Soap Making Food (nuts, dried fruit) Processing Carpet Weaving Thread / Yarn Production Leather Manufacturing Etceteras� Small Business Management Advanced business management education courses are provided to clients who request them and feel they are valuable to him / her. We will not force people into education! Education in small business management fundamentals will be provided in areas such as: Planning Budgeting Marketing and Advertising Cash-Flow Management Customer Service Strategies Personnel Management: Hiring, Retention, Motivation, Termination Project Management Contract Management and Negotiations Technology Management Process Improvement Etceteras� Trade Channels Development Trade is an important economic development tool (PDF) for alleviating poverty and assisting the economy, for example: new markets are developed for people to sell and buy products; government benefits from duty tax revenues; and the economy is more globally linked lessening its vulnerability to shortages and internal shocks. We assist businesses that have import / export potential or existing products and services with education, advice, quality specifications / requirements to establish successful contractual seller / buyer relationships in (a) the United States of America, (b) Europe, and (c) East Asia, to transport and deliver goods and services. Our courses include: Marketing planning - niche, matchmaking, finding a buyer Supply chain management Negotiations, agreements and contract management Pricing, collections and currency exchange Regulations, customs clearance, duties and tax Risk management, law and insurance Transportation and logistics Packaging and labeling Doing business in [USA, Europe, Asia, ...] Relationship management Etceteras�
	P4 - Capital / Funding / Credit and Operations Funds are distributed to qualified parties to be used in business opportunity development i.e., (1) primarily for micro-enterprises and (2) for small businesses. Micro-Lending We use the Grameen Bank micro-lending model developed to bring badly needed credit directly to the most vulnerable people (the poor and women) in rural communities. Loan amounts are as low as $50 with average loans of $100 and maximum amount of $500. The loans are for 1-year, paid on a weekly basis at 2% installments. Cooperatives of 5 or more individuals have a greater chance of receiving credit and are, therefore, highly encouraged, (1) to increase cooperation and networking, and (2) to create self-sustaining checks and balances within the cooperative. Small Business Financing For more advanced business concepts with proven track records, based on sound business plans and clearly defined markets, customers, management expertise, and financial plans, we provide incremental financing for facilities, equipment, supplies and expenses through an established investors pool to help the business get established and grow. Formal business plans must be presented either in written or oral form that encompasses all the necessary components of: (a) understanding the market and customers, (b) understanding the competitive forces, (c) realistic sales and revenue projections, and (d) capable operational staff. Business Incubation We utilize Business Incubators (PDF) to assist entrepreneurs, especially women, with education and development of their business concepts. A business incubation model is used to increase the likelihood of success - generally 85% of businesses developed through an incubation program succeed. The business incubator provides: Shared Facilities, Shared Resources, Access to Business Expertise during day-to-day operations.
	P5 - Consultation Consultation and management advice is provided to business owners and managers to start, manage, develop and improve their businesses both with the assistance of the Small Business Development Center staff and through expert advisors / contractors. Typical support services will involve: How to organize, structure and develop a business plan? How and where to seek financing? How to deal with difficult employees? How to structure a board of advisors / board of directors? How to evaluate and interpret business performance metrics? How to improve customer service? How to select a good location for the business operation? Etceteras�

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