Trading Co for Microentepre. Atlantico

closed

This project will strengthen the competitiveness of microenterprises in Colombia's Atlantic Coast region by giving them access to markets through provision of specialized marketing services.Phase 1 covers: (a) official incorporation of Empresa Comercializadora de la Costa Atlántica de Colombia (ECA), the specialized marketing company in the Atlantic Coast region serving the microenterprise sector; and (b) establishment of an administrative and management framework laying the groundwork for ECA's commencement of business. Included are design of a business plan, in-depth market studies, framing of corporate policy, design of services envisioned, preparation of operation manuals, and drafting of regulations. Phase 2 of the project is devoted to starting up the ECA's operations and financing three components: a) development of ECA marketing tools (e.g., ongoing research into market trends, organization and attendance at such events as trade fairs, business conferences, and exhibitions, development of information systems for the maintenance of current databases on microenterprises, buyers and products) and technical capacity; (b) establishment of a production support fund to finance targeted, production-related advisory and technical assistance services provided by third parties; and (c) establishment of a fund for discounting bills and making advances for the purchase of raw materials. Financing for Phase 2 is contingent upon the success of Phase 1.