ECDC offers you skills support.
Source: http://www.ecdc.co.za/

ECDC requires that clients display some expertise in the area of the proposed business idea, either on a technical or business level. However, should you not have the required skill level to drive the proposal forward, you may undergo the necessary training courses to improve your skills, or to be given an appropriate mentor within ECDC. The programme is committed to providing you with knowledge and expertise in business development delivered by using sophisticated solutions and best practice.

The programme aims to assist emerging businesses access business development services through a network of accredited service providers. We invite you to enlist for one of our broad range of services, specially catered for your business's needs, and notice improvements in the quality of your product and service offering.

Quality services at your disposal

ECDC helps your business perform to its potential by providing:

• A range of non-financial services which are sector-specific and demand-led
• Business linkages and networks that strengthen the SME sector.

Our target sectors

The programme provides development and support to all businesses with a focus on:

• arts and culture
• Emerging contractors in the construction industry
• Service providers who assist with skills development.
  
  

Applying for success

If your business meets these requirements, the next step is to apply for this service by following these five steps:

• Your business needs to register with the programme by completing a SME data input form, which is available from all ECDC offices. Individuals and companies seeking assistance need to comply with regulatory frameworks in the country.
  • The programme will assist with compliance, where necessary
• Requests for Development Services support should be submitted in writing at any ECDC offices
• Due to the broad range of requests for assistance, the programme will request supporting documentation
• This will be followed by a complete diagnosis of the business which aims to identify areas that need attention as well as areas of success that need focus; and
• The programme will then identify and contract business service providers to assist.
  
  

The start-up business

If the programme decides to engage with your start-up business, it will consider whether your business is feasible. It assists entrepreneurs in developing start-up business plans and by facilitating access to services and resources so that the SME can execute the plan and project manage the process of establishing the business.

The emerging business

In the case of an emerging business, the programme will diagnose and identify what makes your business profitable. Based on this evaluation, the programme will, with the owner of the business, develop and agree on an action plan, facilitate access to services and resources needed to carry out the growth plan and project manage the work plans.

The expanding business

If the programme is approached to help an expanding business, it will explore with the business owner different growth strategies which may include the need for new technology, access to finance or reaching markets in other areas.

The underperforming business

If your business underperforms, the programme will identify the causes of the lack of performance.

Cost drivers

This programme outsources SME support to service providers and may subsidise the service provider's services, according to a set formula that is guided by:

• Value of the service
• Turnover of the SME
• Structure of the company
• Number of times ECDC has assisted the SME
• Financial profile of the SME.