Progress Report
January 1 - June 30, 2005

1.      Introduction

This progress report gives a concise view about the activities and events implemented by SEDECK between January 1 and June 30, 2005. In our next activity report, which will cover the entire year we will provide more information about the progress made during all of 2005. We experienced quite a delay to receive the contribution of the Central Government, which has caused serious cash flow problems to carry out the activities of the first four months as planned. In addition to that, we received ANG 23,870 less than previous years, which further complicated matters for us. As a consequence of that we shifted our attention in the first 4 months towards preparing special projects as a possible means to generate additional income to cover our deficit.

2.      One-to-one counseling

As of the end of June this year a total of 130 clients received one-to-one counseling at SEDECK totaling 267 consulting hours. We still attract a grand number of starters that will use SEDECK’s services to prepare themselves better before they go into business, while the number of existing business knocking at SEDECK’s door for service has increased significantly. This shows SEDECK is become more and more the place to be for small business entrepreneurs and owners. The number above show that we are well on our way to reach the target set for 2005.

3.      Fieldwork

This year we have increased our on-site visits to existing businesses that are under counseling and some starters as well. The assistance provided include financial administration set-up with QuickBooks, on-site marketing tips and management advice.

4.      Special projects

During the first half of the year SEDECK has prepared the following projects as part of our efforts to generate additional income to cover our budget deficit.

4.1.     Micro-lending project “Tene Lanta”

As funding for micro businesses seem to be a bottleneck for the majority of starters, we have drafted a micro-lending program named “Tene Lanta” to be funded by the government of the island territory of Curacao. Those who want to apply for a micro loan will have to enroll on the program at SEDECK where they will receive handsome training in the required business skills, and after they receive the loan, SEDECK will continue to monitor their business operations to guarantee they will be kept on the right track. The well-know micro-lending organization “Accion” would be part of the implementation phase of this program. “Tene Lanta” has been submitted to the government and is awaiting approval.

4.2.  Project Sigui Padilanti

We are aware that quite a few stand alone young mothers are struggling to be a good mother while they have to find some way to earn some income to care for themselves and their children. In view of that we have prepared a project called “Sigui Padilanti” specifically to fulfill the needs of those that want to start their own home based business. Once enrolled, the prospective home-based business owner will receive specialized training in all relevant matters pertaining to doing business. The home-based business allows the young mother to be at home with her child while she is producing a descent income to care for her family. The program is designed as such that even those who are not ready to start their home-based after the training, would be better prepared for the work force and able to earn a higher paying job. This project has been submitted to AMFO for co-financing and is awaiting approval.

4.3.            Project Financial Administration Service using “ADA”

Offering financial administration for small businesses for a fee is another project that we prepared to generate additional income. The idea is that most small businesses will apply for the “ADA” incentive (administrative help) offered by the Island Government through the department of Economic Affairs. In view of that we have trained a group of 10 Junior Consultants to do financial administration with QuickBooks. The process has started and we are waiting on approval from the authorizing committee to be able to use this incentive for our prospective clients.

4.4.            Project Ban Bario Bek

The government institution “Ban Bario Bek” has approached SEDECK to provide some training in the required business skills for a group of people they were preparing to provide pedicure in the form of a self-supporting micro business. SEDECK has put a training program together, which has been submitted to the island government. This program has been approved and is pending release of the necessary funds to be implemented.

5.      Courses

5.1.            Business Orientation Course

Between Jan and June, SEDECK has offered 2 business orientation courses where a total of 84 people participated, of which 40 completed all the requirements to obtain their certificate.

5.2.            Business Plan Writing Course

During this period we offered 1 business plan writing course where 39 people participated.

5.3.            Junior Small Business Junior Consultants Training

A total of 20 Junior Small Business Consultants have completed all the requirements to obtain their certificates, which were presented to them by Commissioner Ivar Asjes on June 30, 2005. These junior consultants will be scheduled to work on a part-time basis at SEDECK under the supervision of the director.

Summary Table

The table below shows in a glance the planning for the year as well as the actual and projected reporting period figures.  

6.      Lectures

SEDECK has given 2 lectures during this period. The first one was organized in the ABVO facility at Brievengat for the people of Ban Bario Bek that were interested in the project described above and the other lecture was held for a large group of students at the University of the Netherlands Antilles. Basically both lectures dealt with how SEDECK could help the entrepreneur’s dream become a reality. A total of 170 people participated at both lectures.

7.      Office and administrative support

As usual the consultants of SEDECK help clients with office support activities for their business as well as financial administration set-up. This reporting period SEDECK has assisted around 15 starters with these activities.

8.      Student assistance

SEDECK also provides student assistance for those that need to write their final thesis and other who have to complete specific business assignment as a requirement for their study. This period the consultants of SEDECK have assisted 4 students with finding a research topic or with guidance and support.

9.      Participation at FSBDCN Professional Development Conference

In June the director has participated at the annual professional development conference in Naples, Florida. As always, during these conferences we get the opportunity to attend at some valuable training sessions about important business topics. The new knowledge and experience gained is shared with other consultants working for SEDECK so that they could also apply that knowledge in their day-to-day activities.

10.  Success indicators

10.1.  What clients say about SEDECK 

Loudrid Ortega

Ludris Catering and breakfast service

      "I received a lot of information at SEDECK that helped my business grow. The information also helped me manage my business better. I also followed the Basic Orientation course offered by SEDECK, which also helped me to take the courage to start my own catering and breakfast delivery service officially this year. Mrs. Martijn was always there to listen and I received a very good service. Thank you and keep up the good work.” 

Marillee Croes Naar

Prikmobiel

“During the period of business plan writing I was helped by Mrs. Martijn with a lot of patience. The bank stated that the plan that I wrote with support of SEDECK was a very good plan.”

 Raymond Caciano

Caribbean Scientifica Medical Products

“In March 2005 I started my own business Caribbean Scientifica Medical Products, and I am convinced that my business will be successful, thanks to the professional guidance of SEDECK. I obtained a thorough view on my business in the financial and management area. I am grateful to SEDECK and also Mrs. Martijn for the help and support. I have experienced that SEDECK stands 100% behind its logo.”

 Edmee Eddine

Prima’s Restaurant

“The bank liked my plan and I received the financing I needed for the start of my new venture. The attention I received at SEDECK was excellent, the business is going well, and the clients are satisfied.” 

Glenn Pieternella

Private Cleaning

“I wrote my business plan with excellent help and support from SEDECK. This year I started my business and at the moment I’m preparing a promotional plan with the help of SEDECK to boost actual sales”. 

Sharlon Biliosa

Tactical Creative Advertising

“The service I received is very good; my consultant is there always to help me with patience. SEDECK has the experience that helps me to be more productive and more assertive in closing deals with my local contacts and exterior business contacts. I can be more confident in my business deals, because of SEDECK’s help.”

11.  Planned activities for next 6 months

The following activities are planned for the next 6 months:

s         Courses: We will continue to offer the business orientation course free of charge. The next course is scheduled to start in September if there is enough interest.

All other courses will be offered through the SESNA program, where the participant will have to pay 40% of the course fee.

s         One-to-one counseling will continue as usual. We will also provide advisory services for selected clients through the SESNA program, where they may or may not be charged.

s         SEDECK also plans to provide in-house or in-company training sessions for clients that request this type of service. This service will be provided for a fee.

s         We also expect to start with any of the above described projects as soon as the funds are secured and we get the green light to start with the implementation.

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