Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC)
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Tunisia Small and Medium Enterprise
Activities And Approaches
Focusing on SMEs related to organic foods, textile and clothing, business development services, and hospitality, the project delivered technical assistance to export-ready or near export-ready enterprises and supported the creation and growth of Tunisian small business development centers to provide long-term support.
Small business development centers
The project worked with key government agencies to evaluate and consider adopting the U.S. Small Business Development Center model at existing Tunisian Centres d’Affaires.
Support for export-ready SMEs
IESC delivered customized assistance for export-ready companies. Through IESC’s cadre of highly-experienced volunteer experts, the project helped Tunisian SMEs to identify target markets, reach European and U.S. quality standards, improve marketing, find buyers, and ultimately complete export sales.
Summary
This project strengthened Tunisia’s economic competitiveness and prospects for investment and sustained economic growth by involving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in trade and investment activities.
Results
- ~600 SMES received training on the General System of Preferences U.S. trade preference program
- $150 million deal signed for the sale of Tunisian organic olive oil to a U.S. buyer
- 8% increase in exports at SMEs that received tailored assistance
Funder: USAID
Administrator: Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance
Project Duration: 2012-2014
Award: $1.1 million
Impact