Iraq
Private Sector Development Initiative
Overview:
The two-year, $12 million Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) was implemented by the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) with CNFA, INternational Executive Service Corps (IESC) and Citizens Development Corps (CDC) as subcontractors from 2004 to 2006. The goal of the initiative was to help expand a competitive private sector in Iraq by offering business training and other business support services to Iraqi entrepreneurs. As the leader of the Value Chain and Marketing Development component, CNFA identified, assessed and analyzed marker opportunities throughout the entire agricultural value chain to ensure that interventions were appropriately targeted. CNFA also developed a comprehensive agribusiness strategy that addressed agribusiness development needs, priority sectors and specific interventions to strengthen weaknesses within specific value chains.
Approach:
- Developed and Disseminated Training: The training component of PSDI was geared toward improving business skills and knowledge among the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector of the Iraqi private sector, as well as among local SME supporting institutions (banks, Chambers of Commerce, business associations and training institutions).
- Provided Technical Assistance: CNFA provided technical assistance through American and Iraqi consultants. The technical assistance component was designed to reinforce the skills developed in training programs and to complement the provision of grants when possible.
- Distributed Grants: CNFA was responsible for the selection of grantees and disbursement of $3 million in grant funds through 347 separate grant packages.