BMEP

Summarizes final evaluation of the Business Management Extension Program (BMEP -- 1986-3/95) to promote small business development in Swaziland. For an in-depth summary of the evaluation, see the abstract of PD-ABK-084. The evaluation, which aimed at determining if and how BMEP can sustain itself, is divided into three sections covering institutional, market, and financial sustainability. Major findings and conclusions are noted below. BMEP should develop a strategic plan to provide staff and board members a thematic road map of the organization's goals and purposes. The plan should describe the market in which BMEP operates, assess the organization's strengths and weaknesses, and provide a vision statement of where it wishes to be in 5 years along with practical steps for getting there. Serious revision of the plan every 3 years is urged. BMEP should develop a marketing plan which should address public relations, fundraising, and restructuring needed to improve its income base. The marketing plan should also prioritize among alternative income sources; establish revenue targets by donor source; indicate steps for more attractive packaging of the BMEP story; assign responsibili

Source: DEC abstract, PD-ABL-074 (1995). The source's own text.