On completion of its lifespan in 1998; the Business Advisory and Promotion Services (BAPS) which was one of the Components of the Industries and Agro Industries Development Project had contributed significantly to the general understanding of the problems facing the Basotho private sector as well as providing advisory services to new and established businesses. Upon integration into BEDCO as one of its divisions, BAPS together with the Enterprise Development Division continued with the mission of promoting Basotho entrepreneurs and enhancing their participation in the industrial and Commercial activities by extending the Business Counselling services; Undertaking Company Development programmes; Market with Development programmes; Disseminating business information to the sector; and Undertaking the Advocacy role, in terms of linkages with inward investment programmes and government procurement agencies.
BUSINESS COUNSELLING
With regards to the Business Counselling Service, Business Counsellors attend to casual enquiries from potential entrepreneurs as well as giving on-going hands-on assistance to established ones.
COMPANY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
A few Companies with a potential are picked and given intensive hands on assistance, diagnostic studies and training.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
These programmes seek to expand market opportunities both domestically and internationally for Lesotho made products. The flea market operation, local exhibitions and liaison with the government Central Tender Board regarding government procurement all hold prospects for pushing Lesotho made products into the domestic market whereas programmes such as the exchange programme and networking with other Countries with regards to small and medium enterprise (SME) development, coupled with undertaking marketing missions outside Lesotho are yet another avenue for increasing/expanding markets for Lesotho made products internationally and making links with international markets whilst at the same time such programmes allow for a cross fertilization of ideas on best business practices world-wide.
DISSEMINATION OF BUSINESS INFORMATION
The role of disseminating vital business information for success of businesses becomes possible through the running of Business Information Centres where counselling activities take place and information materials are availed.
THE ADVOCACY ROLE
Through advocacy BEDCO can influence government policy relating to Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development and additionally, smaller enterprises can be linked to larger enterprises and to inward investment programmes; and government procurement agencies can be encouraged to buy local produce before going outside, thus stimulating the economy.
It has also been observed that industrial development is heavily influenced by the skills taught in vocational schools - it is vocational education-led; thus, it becomes imperative for an organization such as BEDCO to influence the direction of industrial development by its involvement in the design of the curriculum of technical and vocational schools.
BAPS
P/B 475
Maseru
Tel:
(+266)
314600
Fax:
(+266)
310367
