Context of the Training Course

Entrepreneurial training should not be seen as separate instrument independent from other promotional activities. The proposed training course is only one part of the necessary promotional package for small scale women entrepreneurs, even if it is an essential one. To set up or improve a business, access to loans, information, follow-up consultancy and, in many cases, specific additional training is needed.

In most countries institutions for the promotion of small scale enterprises and specific credit schemes are available. The programme should relate the training activities to the relevant institutions/organizations.

Local training institutions which plan to organize a training course should be capable of providing adequate follow-up. The success of training is not measured by the transmission of knowledge alone, rather it is (or should be) measured by the successful application of knowledge and how the trainees use their skills to improve their daily business activities. The implementation phase for setting up a new enterprise or expanding an enterprise - is the most difficult step to undertake. Sufficient support should be provided by the local institution. They should keep records, make field visits, send questionnaires, act as an information centre and organize a weekend workshop in order to follow up on the participants.

The following schedule should be followed for the implementation of follow-up activities, whereby the timing is expressed in terms of weeks preceding the end of the course:

1.	Send out questionnaires
	2 months after end of the course
2.	Deadline for questionnaires to be postmarked
	3.5 months after end of course
3.	Field visits
	4th and 5th month
4.	Weekend-workshop
	about 10 months

Follow-up Questionnaire

MANAGERIAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Name: ....................................................................................................................................

Address: .................................................................................................................................

Type of Business: ...................................................................................................................

Name of the Enterprise: .........................................................................................................

Location of the Enterprise: .....................................................................................................

1. What are your business targets for the near future?

a) In terms of production 6 months from now......................................................................

In terms of production 12 months from now .......................................................................

b) In terms of profit (Kwacha per month) 6 months from now..............................................

In terms of profit (Kwacha per month) 12 months from now ...............................................

c) In terms of employees 6 months from now .....................................................................

In terms of employees 12 months from now .......................................................................

2. Describe the activities you will undertake in the next 3 months to set-up or expand you business. (Think of all necessary steps to get a loan, register, hire additional employees, search for information, buy equipment, improve marketing strategy etc.)

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3. Will you change or improve your product?........................................................................

4. Will you change or improve your marketing strategy?.......................................................

5. Will you need a loan? If so, where will you apply for the loan? And how much will you apply for?

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6. How much of your money will you invest in your business?...............................................

7. Do you need additional information? If so, what kind of information?................................

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Who do you think can provide you with the information you are searching for?

8. Will you need support from .................................................................................................

relatives..................................................
Government institutions..........................
Promotion institutions.............................
other institutions/organizations...............

9. Will you need additional training? If so, please indicate the kind of training you will need.........

10. Do you foresee obstacles to reach your above mentioned targets? If so, please describe them

11. How will you overcome the foreseen obstacles?....................................................................

12. Do you expect any kind of support, such as follow-up workshop or something similar from the organizing institution?

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