Russia – Entrepreneurial Business Services in Siberia and the Far East Project (EBS-SFE)

From 1999-2001 ACDI/VOCA managed the Entrepreneurial Business Services in Siberia and the Far East Project (EBS-SFE). An initiative that encouraged economic growth in Russian communities by building the capacities of entrepreneurs, businesses, nongovernmental groups and business support organizations.

The primary objective of the project was to provide technical assistance to Russian partner organizations by strengthening their capacity to provide technical assistance, enabling them to pursue improved service delivery and advocacy, and increasing the capacity of small and medium-sized businesses. To achieve these ends, ACDI/VOCA provided technical assistance and training to Russian partner organizations that then prepared projects assignments and managed volunteer assignments with their clients.

EBS-SFE volunteers completed over 600 technical assistance assignments in numerous fields, including business planning, international accounting standards, marketing, management and eco-tourism. The project team was able to reach out to a wide variety of groups and improve the livelihoods of participants. The project created or sustained 685 businesses and almost 12,000 jobs in just two years. Volunteers conducted 889 training sessions for more than 6,000 participants, of which 62 percent were women. Consultancies reached just under 10,000 people.

The local Russian partner organizations experienced a 76 percent growth in average sales, a 54 percent growth in profits and a 7 percent decrease in organizational costs. In addition, 90 percent of the local partners experienced a boost in their client base, averaging a 53 percent growth. The project also strengthened the management structures at the individual partner groups. They each developed new business plans and more efficient administrative procedures, refined their communications strategies, implemented new project planning techniques, and improved quality control. By bolstering these organizations, ACDI/VOCA made it possible for reliable business support services to be offered to Russian enterprises in the long term, thereby enabling a stronger business environment and overall economy.