Vlore Regional Development Agency (RDA)
The Regional Development Agency (RDA) Foundation serves the business ans social economic community in the overall in Albania . It supports economic development, particularly SME development, in the south region of Albania. Vlore RDA’s activities have included; training and consulting of private sector , data analysis and collection of information from
businessmen, fostering business relations at home and abroad, providing business services; facilitating access to finance for existing and new businesses;; promoting and organization trade fairs, conferences and other events that have had an impact on the economic growth; and, the social advancement of our region.
The Vlore Regional Development Agency (SME-s) serves the business community and social economic services in South of Albania and the surrounding region. Its mission was to support the development of the SME sector in the southern region and overall of Albania, concretely in Vlore, Saranda & Delvina and Gjirokastra. Prior to 1998 the Vlore Regional Development Agency (SME-s) has operated under the name of Vlore Regional Business Agency (RBA) and was one of seven agencies set up under SME Foundation. The Regional Business Agency was established in April 1992 as a shareholder organization, but this status prevented the organization from cooperating with foreign donor projects and so in 1998 the status was changed to that on NGO. The Regional Development Agency Vlore is part of the RDA network in Albania. Its tasks and activities are related to regional and local economic and rural development and it has been supported by different donor funded projects (EU, USAID, GTZ, UNDP, World Bank etc.), in particular: Training and consulting of SMEs
he Regional Development Agency is a group of local business service providers that promote social and economic development initiatives in Albania. Promotion and contributing to SME strategy development and policy-making. The RDAs Partners in business development include EC PHARE, GTZ, SMEDA/USAID, SBCA/USAID, EU-SME Project, World Bank, SEED, UNDP, UNOPS, ETF, SNV and local institutions such as ISB, ACIT, ACER, IDRA, ASET, ATTDA, Co-Plan etc. About Us
FOUNDATION
Regional Development Agency ( RDA) was first established under the SME Foundation in 1993. From this time until 1998 the agency operated under the name Regional Business Agency. However, in 1998 the agency re-registered as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) so it could legally access and co-operate with international donors and funding institutions. The RDA coordinates the network of nine other RDA offices around Albania. Under Albania law we are also able to provide consultancy services to private businesses. VISION STATEMENT
Development plus innovation
OBJECTIVES
• To develop its capacity as a leading center in its region through providing training’s, counseling services and information to business community, NGO-s, government etc.
• To provide a decentralized information service on community and national policies and their indications for new and existing enterprises.
• To advise and support companies and NGO-s in their approach with a view to participating in community program’s or activities or to resolve difficulties in implementing community and Albanian measures and directives.
• To create a network of partners enabling the exchange of information on national and regional legal and regulatory provisions, and their implementation procedure which are of direct interest to social economic development of Albania.
• To strengthen the role of NGO-s in a developing democratic society. THE VLORA RDA STRATEGY
Since 1992, the strategy of the RDA has been exclusively targeted at providing business support services for existing and newly SME-s. In addition, after 1998, the RDA’s strategy aims to provide a wide range of services in organizational development and leadership to NGO-s, government, individuals etc. To achieve its aim, RDA Foundation works with a variety of sectors in identifying areas for co-operation and support, identifying partners with similar vision/goals/role to actively promote the economic development of the Tirana region, identifying areas for co-operation and support within Local Government. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
The Vlora Regional Development Agency (SME) Foundation has striven to evolve and adapt to the changing political and economic environment in Albania. It has witnessed the creation of many small entrepreneurial projects in the region. Yet, it is aware that there is a real need for focus on increasing capacity within the region for developmental projects and for training activities. This way opportunities can be created and sustainable development becomes easier to achieve. The Regional Development Agency continues to work to raise its profile in the region. The Agency is committed to strengthening its own capacity as an institution, so that it can go out and identity new areas for development. CONSULTING SERVICES
RDA offers technical assistance to local firms doing business through consulting services addressed mostly to SME-s. RDA experts, organized in teams by subject, assist and support companies in managing different matters such as: marketing, managment, finance, export, investments/technology solutions etc. This can be highly useful for companies wishing to successfully consolidate their position in local market and aiming enter in a foreign market. Special attention is given to the promotion and setting up of joint ventures. RDA consultants specialized in different fields of business gives their assistance on:
The RDAs continue to work in SME development carrying out market research,
Surveys and questionnaires, assisting in business financing, SME and business association;
• Consultancy (strategy, needs analysis, business process analysis, financial analysis, HR, costing,) etc
• Business planning
Vlore RDA offers a technical assistance to local firms doing business through consulting services, basically addressed to SME-s. RDA consultants specialized in different fields of business gives their assistance on:
RDA consultants specialize in different fields of business and agriculture such as: Technical standards (EUREPGAP, HACCP etc.); Consultancy (strategy, needs analysis, business process analysis, financial analysis, HR, costing,) etc Business planning; Feasibility Studies; Social and economic surveys; Anti-Corruption strategies; Private/Public sector advocacy;
MARKET RESEARCH
RDA has carried out many research and studies for local market and foreign companies.The RDA performance in this regards is very essential. Many successful organizations have received by RDA assistance for their research and data on market demand. RDA uses to collect, compile and process diffrent data for companies, organizations and individuals upon request, or create extensive research techniques if the client requests more specific information. Some of the donors with whom we have worked are: PHARE EU, GTZ,SMEDA-USAID, SBCA USAID, UNDP,WB, etc and other local institutions such as METE ISB, ACER, IDRA, ATTDA etc. companies, training and research at national and international levelconsult
• Local development and territorial marketing
RDA develops activities aimed at realizing integrated projects for territorial development, through:
Enhancement and promotion of the historical, artistic cultural , with a view to increase the tourist appeal of the involved areas;
-Promotion and development of typical local products especially familiar tourism(Bed and Breakfast) ;
-Awareness campaigns on specific resources;
-Communication and advertisement;
-Creation of networks to group local actors and Regional &Local experts. Special attention is given to the Management consultant specialized in different fields
• SME Policy: Provided policy training to RDA staff and BSPs in Vlore region
• Created database of 1,000 SME clients and business service providers; SME impact monitoring and reporting systems, based on USAID indicators, using Microsoft Access with Visual Basic interface
• Production and General Management:
• Consultancy (strategy, needs analysis training, business process analysis, financial analysis, costing)
• Business planning and Feasibility Studies
• Fundraising advice Technical Training (HR, Time management, marketing , Communication skills)
• Capacity Building for Business Associations
• Provision of information (markets, procurement, status business environment, tax, legislation effecting businesses, license and registration
• The development of SME statistics and donor coordination.
• Identification of training needs, drafting the training modules and delivery of trainings to Local Administration, Municipalities and Communes, NGOs
• Encouraging economic development and the growth of the SME sector
Training & Technical Assistance - Working with Local Administration
Aware of the central role of the human factor as a key element for the competitive success of a company, Vlore a RDA devotes its strengths to training activity designed for businessman, young people and woman, individuals and organizations (NGO-s). Training activity is carried out in cooperation with GTZ project, World Bank, UNDP, EU as well as with USAID etc. The main goal of the programs is to assist participants in managing business & life situations etc. A wide range of training courses is provided: Courses for new entrepreneurs who want to set up their own enterprise:
Macroeconomic (fiscal and monetary analysis and forecasting, trade)
• Firm’s performance (financial analysis and management, strategic
planning, legal consulting on financial and banking issues, cost
analysis, etc.)
• Market research (firm position, product research, statistical analysis
of consumers, client satisfaction surveys, etc.)
• Project management (performance monitoring plan, application of
qualitative and quantitative methods in performance monitoring and need
assessments, impact evaluation through statistical methods)
COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN PROGRAMS
1993-1996
EU- PHARE
Project: Support Program for Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Albania
Project Implementation: Under direct EU financing and supervision, the RDA-s had the mission to work with local government, business associations or organizations, banks to promote economic development of the local economic areas; design & implement training courses for new &existing entrepreneurs; develop and implement the RDA strategic plans (work-plan activities, fund rising plan, public relations plan etc); prepare a budget analysis and a financial plan for the RDA activity, which includes funding needed to put in action based on deliverables; coordinate with local Government and other local institutions in economic development planning of the region and specific development project; design, monitor, implement and evaluate projects on social - economic development in the RDA area; assist SME- in their road to grow via counseling, training, information
1996-1998 GTZ
Project: Training program and technical assistance for SME-s in Albania
Objective: The program was designed in a way that training courses combined with consulting sessions organized from RDA had the objective to stimulate the entrepreneurship, SME creation, marketing, management . Each of the new potential entrepreneurs was able to write Business Plans aiming their financing via DEG credit line. Project Implementation: In the courses of 1998-99, supported by the GTZ project, the RDA and its network have trained over 350 people throughout Albania. In this frame more than 80 business persons have had the opportunity to train overseas in co-operation with RDA partnership organizations GTZ in Germany, ILO in Turin-Italy and EOMMEX in Athens, Greece. WB
Project: Training Program for Unemployed Youth and Self-employment opportunities to Vlora citizens
Objective: The aim of the project on the frame of “Distribution of Social Economic Services (PPU)” was to help young people of Vlora region (Orikum, Vlora city) to use their individual capacity and develop their business idea by organizing courses in the context of stimulating of their business creation or self-employment and mainly improvement of their life within local community. Project's implementation: The program was focused on unemployed people in order to stimulate the development of private business and creation of new jobs. The project was implemented in south of albania area; roughly 60-100 young people had the opportunity to gain knowledge on vocational training skills, applied on credit schemes and have improved their family life. The project also had an institutional support by RDA staff during and after finishing as well this program. After care services for their small businesses (shops, kiosks, selling services, beauty shop, etc) in order to better manage their capacities etc have been provided continuously. UNOPS/UNDP
Project: “Support to women in rural areas”
Objective: The project objective was the activating of women by giving them possibilities to be together discussing several matters such as, family protection, human rights, and new ways of reducing this phenomenon within the area. Implementation of this project was due to the overall Albania National Strategy of fight against tpoverty . Project Implementation: The project was implemented in Qeparo area and surrounding communes such as Borsh , Himare and had the involvement of women in challenges given by the labor market and strengthening the economical possibilities and women independence. There were delivered 6 trainings, done a training need assessment, conducted workshops & practices near local enterprises and business family, where core issue was the creation of new job possibilities. It was drafted a monthly newsletter for women, which covered the daily women problems and issues of the region and actions taken by the local competent institutions. Partners: RDA , Qeparo Commune and Himara Municipality
SOROS (2002)
Project: “Working for youth & women’s entrepreneurship through training & skills development in South of Albania ”
Objective: The aim of the project was to assist women and young female graduates in the selected regions of Albania to develop their individual capacities for running a business, through formal and non-formal training and practical work experience. Project Implementation: The project had provided local employers with a qualified workforce, which was well trained and consulted during the detailed program. Companies have got specialised expertise to be prepared with the new market economy rules and procedures. The project also helped new and existing SME-s owned by women those, which need special support in order to improve their business management in the process of building a strong economy. So the RDA network has assisted/consulted and trained a special target group such as the borrowers of BESA Foundation and other Micro Credit Institutions. The project was implemented in all the regions such as Vlore,Orikum and Novosel. Some data’s for the project: Implementation of training courses to over 60 women, ongoing support to attendees of training courses, workshops and industry visits, identification of a key group of trainees and assistance in applying for micro credit; follow-up and evaluation and reporting etc. WB (2004)
Project: “Social service center for vulnerable women group and establishment of necessary infrastructure to provide services, premises and human capacities”
Objectives: Establishment of proper sites within the municipality property for social services. Raising the opportunities for employment, education and qualification of young peoples and women in need in order to integrate them in normal life. Creating local DBASE for women and young people in need. Building mutual relationships between the civil society and local government. Partners; RDA , Municipality of Vlora
MSI/USAID (2001)
Project: “Working for Fiscal Education of Business and Public through training and skills development”
Objectives: Evaluate the needs for professional knowledge from business community; Organize and deliver training on fiscal system, legal aspects concerning it, and administrative procedures followed by tax officers; Create awareness of professional expertise while dealing with administration; Establish to the business community the principles of demanding the right and fulfilling the obligations in front of law. PARTNERS ALBANIA (2004)
Project: Youth and Women Employment & entrepreneurship promotion through training & skills development in Vlora area. Objective: Contribution for the productivity increase and the labor market employment in the region through training, activity promotion to create some small business; Effective lobbing to encourage closer cooperation between the local authority and the other institutions for designing supporting programs for this category of the people (participants in this program. Project Implementation: Vlora area has the highest unemployment percentage in Vlora. For this reason, the private entrepreneurship development is an important component in the local and national economy. The project has passed through this actions: evaluation of a needs and assessment of the target group included in the project; encouraged the employment, education and qualification of the young people aiming to their integration in the normal life and the incomes increase; offered knowledge and advice in managerial skills;
Organization of training and services and other forms of support to motivate unemployed people to develop their business ideas through the capability development in these directions; direct assistance for the potential individuals in “how to take e credit from the micro credit institutions, specially created in this region;
created a local database with the unemployed people, business persons, potentials for credit, qualified potentials job seekers; etc; 100-120 young people were trained in different fields. About 36 persons have taken place in the practical training to the garment and shoe enterprises.About 12 direct beneficiaries of this project were employed in the above-mentioned enterprises. SBCA/USAID(2002-2007)
Project: Small Business & Credit Assistance for SMEs. RDA Vlora has served as main local partner and subconteactor for the SBCA/USAID project during 2002-2007. Objectives: Defining of the priority sector needs based on the region visions and conducting of different market studies for a set of economic sectors for SBCA a project of USAID run by Chemonics International. Project Implementation: The project was focused primarily on the following strategic results such as: (i) Small and medium enterprise development; (ii) Business technical skills improvement; (iii) Business financial planning skills improvement; (iv) Non-bank financing; (v) Bank credit. The RDA network has worked with SBCA to provide two of these components: business training and business counseling. It was created a database of 800 clients to which RDA has served with consulting & training activities. i
Partners: RDA , PSHM, Development offices within Municipalities, Business Communities etc
SOROS ALBANIA(2005)
Project: Tourism industry as an opportunity for a sustainable economic and social development of Vlora region
Objective: The objective of the project was: (i) to identify and train tourism businesses of Vlora & Saranda areas that might serve as models of the tourism industry in south-western coast of Albania; (ii) Identify the number of hotels and bars that are in cooperation with tourist agencies and what impact has the application of this mutually beneficial initiative. Project Implementation: It was conducted a survey with a sample of 60 tourism businesses. There were designed 6 training curricula’s in 2 packages aiming the improvement of service concepts in the field of tourism. There were organized 12 training sessions related to topics: quality of service standards and tourist operators, sales techniques and art of negotiations, communication skills, customer handling, time management, marketing and promotion of tourism etc. Practical workshops were organized to stimulate bank lending demand. There were trained 100 tourism businesses in the area trained in the above issues to improve business. 4 visits were organized to successful business operators in order to create a model to share experiences and best practices.
