Gobi Regional Economic Growth Initiative (GI)
Mercy Corps
www.mercycorps.org.mn
Transfer of GI clients to BDS providers
To strengthen the capacity of aimag based Business Development Service Providers (BDSP) and move them toward sustainable service delivery beyond the life of the GI, Mercy Corps continued to transfer responsibility for provision of technical assistance, loan and equipment facilitation to BDSPs. Among all of the BDSPs in Gobi aimags, 7 were selected to transition into oversight of the loan guarantee mechanism portfolio in their aimag. They now share responsibility with Mercy Corps for MNT 358.8 million ($299,000) in loans held by 142 clients.
During January, the BDSPs started a new promotional drive to draw in new clients to assist with development and implementation of business plans, loans and equipment facilitation. Under the USDA-funded RASP Program, Mercy Corps continued to deliver training and capacity building to these BDSPs and worked with them to help market their services.
Training for Young Businessmen
With assistance from GI and RASP, the BDSPs organized the second phase of Young Businessmen trainings. Ninety-four participants from 6 Gobi aimags were divided into groups according to their business type and received sector specific advice and business plan training. Most of these businesses have since applied to become longer-term clients of the BDSPs.
Future events
In February Mercy Corps will organize a "Tsagaan Sar" trade fair in cooperation with the "Arhangai Development Association" NGO. Clients from ten Mercy Corps target aimags, including all six Gobi aimags, are expected to participate in the fair to sell dairy, meat and felt products to Ulaanbaatar's residents. The aim of the fair is to assist clients in accessing new market opportunities by learning from the experience and establishing relationships with buyers in Ulaanbaatar. |
