Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labour Fund, has entrusted the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research (BCSR) with a fact-finding project that will measure the impact of its Enterprise Development Schemes (EDS).

EDS provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with critical support and consultancy inputs to build on growth potential. An agreement was signed to this effect by Tamkeen's vice-president, enterprise and human capital development Dr Ahmed Abdul Ghani and BCSR secretary general Dr Abdulla Al Sadiq.

The BD59,210 ($157,076) EDS Impact Assessment Project, which started rolling last month, is expected to last four months.

During this time, BCSR researchers will contact and question 150 Tamkeen beneficiaries who have utilised the different components of the EDS scheme such as the Business Development Scheme co-financing option that helps SMEs to acquire updated management practices and business information systems and the Technical Assistance Programme which helps SMEs to acquire the best modern technology and upgrade production resources.

'At Tamkeen, our efforts to develop the best tools for empowering Bahraini SMEs and individuals to prosper have been rooted in meticulous research that helps us to understand what the market needs,' Dr Abdul Ghani said.

'We are committed to continuous feedback and improvement of the various private sector support projects.

'The findings of the EDS Impact Assessment Project will reveal areas where we should continue developing in the work and operations of small and medium enterprises as well as provide a solid ground for new product development and innovation in the near future.'

One of the primary goals of the research is to measure the effectiveness of the EDS schemes to the beneficiary's business development.

The research will explore areas of business where EDS scheme were initially implemented and the direct and indirect impact the engagement in a particular scheme would have on the business.

Within the assessment framework for beneficiaries, gauging customer satisfaction level is important as it will provide a generic indication of beneficiaries' acceptance of Tamkeen's schemes and EDS schemes in particular. – TradeArabia News Service