The Small Business Bureau does not discriminate against any business

Dear Editor,

Kindly permit me space to respond to a letter published in your newspaper dated November 5, 2020 “Why does the Small Business Bureau discriminate against public servants?” I state categorically, that the Small Business Bureau (SBB) does not discriminate nor does it proffer any disparaged treatment against any business or business persons.

I totally appreciate the letter writer’s concern, but allow me to share some information which once understood, should change the perception. Though the Small Business Bureau commenced operations in 2010, budgetary limitations in the early years, resulted in minimal support programmes which were largely based on training and advisory services for a limited number of MSEs as well as capacity building for clusters. However, it was not until 2014, through the implementation of the GRIF funded ‘Micro and Small Enterprise Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups Project’ (MSED Project), that the Bureau was allowed to begin delivering on its mandate, enhance business development services in the form of technical skills and business management training programmes, and for the first time, provide access to finance.

I am sure that you would appreciate the fact that such projects are guided by Policies and Procedures established by the donor agency. From the name of the project, there was clear indication of the identity of the target group. Unfortunately, public servants were not included since they were considered to be “gainfully employed” or not of a vulnerable group. The project even did not allow funding for any livestock activity. This project ran until 2018.

A half year project review and a survey completed in 2018, identified gaps and limitations during the project. In preparation for Budget 2019 funding was requested specifically to address those gaps. From travelling around the country while working in the fields, it was noted that some public servants had established their own businesses while there were others who were desirous in becoming entrepreneurs. As such, in 2019, included in the SBB 2020 initial budget write up was a proposal to expand access to financing to public servants through the grants scheme. Unfortunately, this proposal did not find favour with the Ministry of Finance and subsequently had to be withdrawn.

The proposal is currently under review and once there is a final determination, it will be shared with the public. Note that the Bureau’s full commitment to the success of entrepreneurship, remains unchanged.

Regards,
Dr. Lowell Poeter
CEO
Small Business Bureau