Social responsibility
EBRD & TCO Programme
on development of local entrepreneurship
affected social group
small and medium-sized
enterprises
invested amount
USD 500 000
EBRD and TCO launched a new two-year programme
of support for small and medium-sized enterprises in
Kazakhstan. Under the programme, a series of business
clinics and seminars provide core knowledge in different areas
such as strategy, marketing, HR, finance and bookkeeping.
In addition, eligible SMEs can work with local consultants
and international industry experts on a cost-sharing basis,
supporting them to improve performance in a wide range of
areas from strategy to operations and beyond.
TCO has contributed a total amount of US$ 500,000 to the
programme, piloted by the EBRD. Over an initial period of
two years (2015-2017), the programme promoted economic
growth by strengthening the capacity of SMEs from all
regions of Kazakhstan.
The support was provided through provision of grants covering
up to 50% of costs (with a cap of €10,000) for engagement
of local consulting companies aiming to address the gaps of
enterprises in bidding successfully in oil & gas procurement.
These gaps include, but are not limited to: Health, Ecology
and Safety issues, Quality Management practices, Business
Process Management, Financial management. To date, 21
enterprises have benefited from this approach through local
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consultancy support, and two companies received grants for
international advisory projects.
Existing and potential suppliers to TCO were included in the
scope of the programme alongside SMEs with no direct links
to the company, both in order to prepare those companies
to potentially become TCO suppliers and to foster the
programme’s objectives of improving SME access to know-
how and finance, as well as strengthening business linkages
and improving the market for advice and sharing of best
practice.
A needs assessment exercise has been conducted amongst
40 enterprises representing industries supplying to oil&gas
sector. Based on the findings of this survey, the top-two areas
for skills-building workshops have been identified: Business
Process Management and Project Management. The first
training has been provided to 26 individuals representing
19 companies in September 2016. The training on Project
Management was conducted in the spring 2017. Forty-three
individuals representing 36 companies participated. The
training on Project Management was conducted in the spring
2017. Forty-three individuals representing 36 companie s
participated.