TECNO SERVE

I. TechnoServe Background:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. With more than five decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. Program Description:

In Botswana, TechnoServe implements an enterprise development program called Tokafala, which focuses on helping existing micro, small and medium enterprises in Botswana to grow their businesses.

Tokafala offers the following:

• Entrepreneurship training • Personalised business mentorship

covering all aspects of business • Market access support

• Youth Entrepreneurship Development

For entrepreneurs looking to develop their company, Tokafala offers the following support:

• Personalized business mentoring and advisory support tailored to the specific needs of the enterprise

• Help clients evaluate their financing needs, building financial models and preparing loan applications

• Market access support, helping enterprises establishing linkages to potential buyers

Since inception Tokafala has supported over 350 SMMEs, raising revenues by 39% and supporting over 2000 jobs.

Building on the success of its enterprise development support, Tokafala expanded its scope to support Botswana youth through a dedicated youth development programme called STRYDE ( Strengthening Youth Development through Enterprise). The STRYDE program delivers a comprehensive model of support to youth ( 18- 35) including personal effectiveness, professional effectiveness, entrepreneurship, and personal finance management.