The University of Central Asia’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (UCA- SPCE) is implementing a series of initiatives to develop entrepreneurial capacity and proactive responses to economic challenges in the Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

The initiatives augment UCA-SPCE’s standard offerings in information technology, accounting and language training. They support the goals of government programmes, and are based on fruitful partnerships with public and private organisations. This includes the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund (DAMU), a foundation created by Presidential Decree to support entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan. 

In April 2013, UCA-SPCE launched its Business Advisor Project to provide residents and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with entrepreneurial support and information. UCA-SPCE partnered with DAMU to serve as the programme’s outreach and training provider in the Almaty region. 

Under Phase I, UCA-SPCE delivered dozens of outreach workshops and trained over 1,000 people utilising DAMU materials. UCA-SPCE’s trainers brought excellent teaching credentials and their own business experience to the project. Phase II will be implemented from September to November 2013 and the Project will reach a total of 2,000 learners by the end of the year. 

In February 2013, UCA-SPCE opened the Tekeli Entrepreneurship Support Centre, in partnership with DAMU’s Monotown Development Programme. Entrepreneurs can obtain information and advice on starting and registering businesses, developing business plans, applying for loans, participating in electronic tenders and preparing tax reports. The Centre also offers training for young people on state support for businesses, improving business performance and career guidance. 

“Much of the information we readily provide can be difficult to obtain, requiring business owners to engage in time consuming research with state bodies, or to rely on the Internet, which is not always accurate or current,” said Oleg Lyssenko, Administrative Manager, UCA-SPCE Tekeli. 

Since it opened in February, the Centre has delivered over 350 consultations to 120 entrepreneurs and community members. Five entrepreneurs have started new businesses using these services and are enjoying ongoing support. 

Link to full story: https://www.ucentralasia.org/Resources/Item/560/EN