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Commissioner Schotte has demonstrated to be aware of the prime necessity for the sector, which basically is the financing aspect at more favorable condition that benefits the micro and small business owner. The Commissioner said that he gained a valuable insight regarding the developments and needs for the micro and small businesses and that together with his department of economic affairs and his advisors, he will look into the problems that were presented. 3. Visit Minister of Economic Affairs at SEDECK On May 8, 2006 the Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Burney Elhage has made an official visit SEDECK. During this visit, the Board of SEDECK has presented a PowerPoint presentation about the organization and the Minister in turn has given some insights about his views with respect to the small business sector.
4. SEDECK’s President Attends “2006 Small Business Dividend$ Award” The President of SEDECK, Mr. Gabriël Magdalena, was invited by the State Director of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN), Mr. Jerry Cartwright, as a special guest to attend the “2006 Small Business Dividend$ Award” that were given to Senator Bill Nelson at the United States capital, Washington D.C. Presentation of this acknowledgement was based on an initiative of the FSBDCN, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Annually the small business organization holds such a reception to recognize a person that has done valuable work for the small businesses in Florida. In this case of Senator Bill Nelson, he was recognized as a person that has done an outstanding job for the benefit of small business all over the United States. Mr. Magdalena said that our participation at these kinds of events allows us to make valuable contacts that could be beneficial for the small business development in Curacao. For Mr. Jerry Cartwright, who also happens to be a board member of SEDECK representing the FSBDCN, it is very important to share their impact created on every dollar that was invested from federal funds into the small businesses and the economy of Florida as a whole. Finally, Mr. Magdalena said that it is very important to continue our presence at such events as these could serve to be valuable examples on how things could be accomplished here in Curacao. 5. One-to-one counseling As of the end of June this year a total of 140 clients received one-to-one counseling at SEDECK totaling 429 consulting hours. We still attract a many starters that use SEDECK’s services to prepare themselves better before they go into business, while the number of existing business requesting the service of SEDECK has continue to increase steadily. This shows that existing and prospective business owners value the service of SEDECK. The number above show that we are very much on our way to reach the target set for 2006. 6. Fieldwork This period we have continued 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. 7. Special projects During the first half of the year SEDECK has continued to work on the following projects as part of our efforts to generate additional income to cover our budget deficit. 7.1. Sigui Padilanti This project was last year submitted to AMFO, but because that institution is not considering new projects for the time being, we have adjusted it somewhat to be able to submit it to other financing organizations such as USONA. The project title is “Sigui Padilanti” and its goal is to motivate, educate, train and support young mothers to start their own home-based business. The project has several aspects in it. The first aspect is the intake, and then the participants will receive proper training on management skills, personal skills, marketing skills, operational skills, financial knowledge and basic orientation for entrepreneurs. During the last phase of the project the participation and business plans of all participants will be evaluated and a small loan will be granted in case the participant has passed the evaluation process successfully. 7.2. Fee-based field service In order to provide a better service and work on the funding of SEDECK budget deficit, a new service was developed. The service is based on providing constant guidance and support to businesses. This service is directed towards small and medium sized businesses, who need help in marketing, financial issues and management issues. It is also important in order to help these businesses grow and survive on the market. The objective is to introduce this service during the entrepreneur’s week in October and start providing the service immediately. 8. Courses 8.1. Business Orientation Course Between January and June, SEDECK has offered 3 business orientation courses where a total of 74 people participated, of which 39 completed all the requirements to obtain their certificate. 8.2. Business Plan Writing Course During this period we offered 1 business plan writing course where 6 people participated. 8.3. Other Courses SEDECK has offered 2 other courses with topic on administration and marketing where a total of 7 people participated and received their certificates. Summary Table The table below shows in a glance the planning for the year as well as the actual and projected reporting period figures.
9. Lectures SEDECK has organized 6 lectures during the reporting period covering topics about SVB and taxes. A total of 150 people participated at all lectures.
10. 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 5 starters with these activities. 11. 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 3 students with finding a research topic or with guidance and support. 12. Participation at FSBDCN Professional Development Conference In June Ms. Maideline Martijn has participated at the annual professional development conference in Orlando, 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. Experience of Ms M. Martijn at Conference: “The conference was very educational and the opportunity to learn and hear experiences of other consultants on the field was very valuable. The sessions at the conference served as a great motivation and provided new insights in how to guide a client. As a consultant it is not only necessary to interact with other consultants about matters that concern the quality of an advisory session, but also about matters on how to pass on the knowledge gained to your clients. During the conference the opportunity was also presented to gather information on the relationship of the university in Florida and the SBDC’s. During the second half of the year the staff will work on a proposal to improve that relationship so both parties will benefit from it completely. The new knowledge obtained during the workshops followed during the conference will be passed on to the other consultants during the second half on the year in the form of an in-house training”. 13. 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 August 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 will offer 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 launch the above described Sigui Padilanti project as soon as the funds are secured and we get the green light to start with the implementation. s Finally, we look forward to moving soon into a new location together with ADECK and Stimul-It in order to further improve our service to our clients.
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