Capacity Building Initiatives to benefit Business Development Service Providers in Service Delivery

Business Development Service training for Women Entrepreneurs’ took place at Man- Soor Hotel in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

On 4th-10th February 2014, training on Business Development Service for Women Entrepreneurs’ took place at Man- Soor Hotel in Hargeisa, Somaliland. The training had a total of 25 participants including, Vice Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Chamber of Commerce representatives from Naagad , women business associations and institutions offering business development services.

The overall aim of the training was to increase the quality provision of business services for women entrepreneurs. Providing business trainers and business associations with the knowledge, concepts and skills on how to better support women owned micro and small businesses with growth potential.

More specifically, by the end of this workshop, participants’ knowledge was increased through the following:
  • Understanding the key concepts relating to gender equality.
  • Explored gender equality in enterprise development in the Somalia context.
  • Examined ‘triple bottom line’ reporting as an approach to sustainable enterprise development.
  •  Considered the specific needs of women entrepreneurs.
  • Identified the reasons for promoting a market approach to BDS for women entrepreneurs.
Nagaad is a non-governmental umbrella organization founded in 1997 in Somaliland. The Main goal of Nagaad is the promotion of women’s political, economic and social position within Somaliland. Nagaad has a current membership of 46 mainly non-governmental women’s organizations.
  • Discussed the problems in the business environment for WED and identified some solutions and who can make the necessary changes.
  • Reviewed the Sources of finance for entrepreneurs.
  • Discussed constraints on women’s access and control of finance and resources.
  • Explored what a partnership is and applied the six part criteria to a partnership.
  • Practiced running part of a focus group/workshop