SME Academy Resources
Representing a significant portion of formally registered enterprises in the country, with an emphasis on SMEs, the LNCCI is a non-mandatory organization that aims to support the private sector in Laos. LNCCI has more than 1000 members and has 19 business associations and 9 business groups. LNCCI leadership identifies “access to finance” as one of the primary challenges facing business in the country.
The Young Entrepreneurs Association of Laos was formed under the auspices of the Laos Youth Union in 2005. It is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization whose mandate is to support young people in business and to advance economic growth. Comprised of business owners 45 and under, YEAL provides members an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and to benefit from peer mentorship. YEAL members often attend professional and social events associated with ASEAN.
Global Shapers is a network of online “Hubs” developed and led by young people. The Vientiane Hub was founded by nine young entrepreneurs who endeavor to share projects and results.
The Indonesian SME Service Center provides information for Indonesia’s SMEs, including in the areas of access to finance, human resources, SME licensing, ASEAN training, marketing, and intellectual property rights. It holds events such as a workshop on improvement of rural living through the One Village One Product Movement. The Centre also holds business skills trainings at rural educational institutions in areas such as motorbike maintenance and electronics in order to prepare graduates for careers. It also holds seminars through Entrepreneur University which provide participants with information on business start-up, finance, and other tips.
The Cherie Blair Foundation, in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation, Nokia, and Indosat, has developed the Usaha Wanita (“Business Women”) Mobile Service. The service utilizes mobile phone technology to provide essential business information in three areas: access to finance, retail channel participation, and customized applications to scale up businesses. The service targets women entrepreneurs running or starting micro-businesses, and, as of 2015, has reached over 14,000 women in Indonesia.
In 2014, the Microsoft Corporation and the Indonesia Women’s Business Association (IWAPI) launched a partnership for the purpose of building the technological capacity of IWAPI. The partnership focuses on the “3Es in IT”: IT Empowerment, IT Education, and Endorsing the use of licensed software among members of IWAPI. The program educates members on Microsoft Office 365 in order to build their global competitiveness; introduces concepts of “clean IT and cyber security”; provides technology updates and trainings; and holds a roadshow to educate IWAPI members on such topics.
Endeavor is a global NGO which supports “high-impact entrepreneurship” in growing and emerging economies. The program supports entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers to business growth through providing mentorship, access to networks, advising, access to “smart capital”, and other support. Endeavor’s entrepreneurs in Indonesia represent a range of businesses including in technology, consumer services, professional services, and industry.
Wanita Wirausaha Femina connects female entrepreneurs to pertinent information as well as potential suppliers and customers. The organization helps women develop marketing strategies, such as doing business with angel investors; product innovation; human resource management; and entrepreneurial tips. Activities include a women’s fashion entrepreneur award, a workshop on marketing culinary products, and a bazaar at a women entrepreneurs’ festival.
APINDO provides a forum for advocacy and discussion around employers’ issues, which include industrial relations and human resources management. APINDO is located in Jakarta with representation in 26 provinces led by provincial boards and by 173 district boards. APINDO’s Training Center researches labor issues, builds the capacity of in industrial relations professionals, and focuses on human capital development. APINDO representatives participate in the working group for women workers at the national and provincial levels.
Through an annual competition, Ernst & Young Indonesia “identifies and supports women entrepreneurs seeking to become market leaders, selects high-potential candidates, and provides them with role models, personalized business advice, and access to prospective investors, suppliers, and customers.” The program helps women entrepreneurs find partners, clients, and suppliers. To be eligible for the program, a woman must be founder or co-founder of a private company in Indonesia and retain at least 51% ownership. The company must be at least five years old and have 10 billion rupiah in revenue over the past two years.