The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says it has implemented 245 projects in Belarus that provide consultancy services to SMEs
In the framework of its SME consultancy programme in Belarus, the EBRD not only provides full administrative support, but also covers up to 90% of the cost of consultancy services, thanks to donor funding from the EU and other institutions.
Working with experts in the framework of the EBRD’s small business consultancy programme helps companies enhance their approaches to business administration and introduce the best international practices for producing impressive results.
An example of successful cooperation in the framework of the small business consultancy programme cited by the EBRD includes the West Ost Union Group (owner of the Buslik Chain), which benefited from a business plan developed by a team of international experts to optimise business administration, logistics, marketing and merchandising.
The company doubled its personnel and opened 19 new stores in eight towns in the country thanks to the plan. The total cost of the business consultancy services stood at €60,000, of which West Ost Union paid €6,000, the rest being covered by the EBRD.