Rural economic development in Eastern and Central European Countries an integrated approach illustrated by 3 case studies

EMN Conference Bucharest, November 8th, 2012

Power through know-how and networks

CEED Romania
CEED Purpose
1. To provide entrepreneurs and their executive teams the knowhow and networks they need to accelerate the growth of their businesses and
2. To promote an entrepreneurial culture in the broader society.

CEED Vision
CEED strives to become recognized as the most inspiring, helpful and entrepreneur-focused institution fostering business growth among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in underserved markets .

CEED Overview
Where is CEED operating?

What does CEED offer? An exclusive program providing relevant information, access to finance and new markets, and quick impact on clients. Programs led by successful entrepreneurs Network Learning Events Mentors, coaches, and consultants Effective B2Bs Community of like-minded entrepreneurs

ACTIVE CENTERS Romania Albania Bulgaria Macedonia Montenegro Slovenia Serbia Kosovo UPCOMING CENTERS Moldova POTENTIAL CENTERS Croatia Bosnia Iraq

CEED Romania / Achievements to date

SERVICES NLEs Training

EVENTS 123 events 439 events; 2,272 days

CLIENTS SERVED 4,023 clients

6,480 clients, 13,500 man-days 1,154 clients

4 projects ongoing, Euro 5.3 mil. CEED share Euro 2 mil.

Advisory services 4,813 consulting sessions

Projects / contracts 9 projects finalized, Euro 7 mil. CEED share Euro 2 mil.

Rural Development through Entrepreneurship

Program Purpose: to enable small and semi-subsistence farmers to access capital (existing and future funding opportunities) by providing training and consultancy and by piloting four rural associations while contributing with the results to the elaboration of the 20142020 National Plan for Rural Development of Romania.

Rural Development through Entrepreneurship

PROGRAM COMPONENTS
CRPE CIVITAS FDSC POLICY, ADVOCACY COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS CEED PACT

CMSC
RURAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION and DEVELOPMENT (REED)

RURAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION and DEVELOPMENT (REED)

A program that provides training, advisory support services and networking opportunities to 800 economically active farmers from 40 communities throughout Romania.

Objective: Improve business skills and know-how of farmers and

their access various funds for rural development microfinance and EU grants.

Expected results: the local producers will be able to increase

product sales, reduce production costs and improve product quality thus generating a beneficial impact in their communities.

RURAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION and DEVELOPMENT (REED)

Expected outcome:
Increased financial and operational sustainability for farms; New employment opportunities in the developed farms; Linking local producers and service providers to market opportunities and to each other; Creation of better or new routes to markets for agricultural products; Better guidance of consumer choice; Enhanced awareness of success examples in the agricultural areas; Promotion of distinctive, high quality food products from Romania.

Rural Development through Entrepreneurship

Project partners
RAF
40 Town Halls

PATRIA

ROMCOM

VITAS

OMRO

CEED

Local communities
Provide local experts Provide local premises Identify needs Identify farmers

Microfinance Institutions

Provides national expertize for training and consulting Coordination of all parties

Involved in selection of communities Involved in training pro bono

Rural Development through Entrepreneurship

Integrated approach
Community development
Business development Training and use of local consultants Networking / Exchanges Access to microfinance Partnership agreements with 4 promominent MFIs: PATRIA, VITAS, OMRO, ROMCOM

Business Training Business consulting Contacts with MFIs

All activities will be carried out in the rural communities.

Rural Development through Entrepreneurship

WIN-WIN-WIN
PROJECT PARTNERS (RAF, CEED)
Fulfill their missions Expand outreach

Local communities
Use local resources Develop local Human Resources Attract funding Develop Social Capital

Microfinance Institutions
Expand client base Minimize risks

RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT