FREETOWN (ILO News): The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development project was officially launched in 2018 with the aim of contributing to the fight against poverty through the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sierra Leone.

ILO, as part of its SME development project objective is providing support to the government in ways that would enhance increased business and better managed MSMEs.

The training on Improving Your Exhibiting Skills  (IYES) is organised as part of the SME development project   component  to reinforce the capacity of local women and men led-MSMEs to access markets and sustain their businesses. This is part of the support to “Made in Sierra Leone initiative” (MiSL) that is managed by the Sierra Leone Local Contents Agency (SLLCA). The workshop will run from 18-22 February 2019.

In his opening statement, Mr Mayanja introduced the participants to the work of ILO and specifically briefed them about the SME development project, its objectives, the essence of this training course to the project, and expectations from participants. He highlighted the collaborative work between SLLCA and the project to organise trade fair for local entrepreneurs in various regions nationwide; and emphasised on the core responsibility of participants to roll out the IYES training program and build the capacity of local entrepreneurs to capture trade fair opportunities, successfully participate in trade fairs and sustain their businesses. 

 IYES is a comprehensive course comprising of knowledge skills and tools that seeks to equip participants to provide guidance in marketing, communication and promotional activities to small and medium scale entrepreneurs, so that they can successfully participate in trade fairs and exhibitions; and create market access network. 

This five days intensive training reached 22 participants who are excited to enhance the image of local businesses in Sierra Leone, Improve the entrepreneurs marketing skills and ensure that businesses grow and become sustainable. The training also encourages entrepreneurs to identify gender related constraints they might face when trying to access markets. 

In the upcoming months, local small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone will be equipped knowledge skills and tools on:

§  Identifying market access constrains and developing workable solutions to curb these challenges

§  Building a market access network of stakeholders

§  Marketing and promoting their businesses to successfully participate in trade fairs and exhibitions

§  Face lifting their business to compete in local and regional market