The drafting of a small business policy is expected to further streamline management of the sector this year, according to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.
In his Budget 2011 presentation to the National Assembly on Monday, he said that there are four key areas targeted by the government in its promotion of small business development: awareness and sensitization of business development services and opportunities, education and training, enabling physical infrastructure and improved access to financing for small businesses.
“In 2011, government seeks to intensify its public outreach through development of a website, as well as additional television and print media exposure. Training exercises will be extended to more businesses with a more comprehensive range of topics, including general interest as well as sector-specific issues, and training manuals and programmes will be developed and delivered in sectors such as agro-processing, and apiculture”, the Minister said.
He stated that the establishment of a credit bureau under the Credit Reporting Act which was passed last year is expected to dramatically improve the ease with which small businesses are able to access financing.
