What
is an Agribusiness Enterprise?
An agribusiness enterprise can be a firm, owned and operated
by a single person (sole-proprietorship) or group of people
(partnership), engaged in agri-related business like fruits
& vegetable growers, processors, exporters, pulp extractors,
juice manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, livestock farm
owners, butcheries, slaughter houses, milk processors, milk-related
items manufacturers, agri-equipment / machinery manufacturers,
etc.
Why
Need Business Development Services (BDS)?
Non-financial services which can improve the performance
of an agribusiness enterprise, its access to markets and
its ability to compete are called Business Development Services
(BDS).
Few
examples of BDS are: Formulation of feasibility / technical
reports & policy, Development of business plans, Management
/ technical trainings & capacity building, Technology
transfer / supply, Operational & other manual designing,
Surveys & research, Advisory services, Legal services,
Financial services, Engineering services, Machinery &
technology procurement, Plant designing, erection and management,
Product / sample development, Package designing, Advertising
& marketing, Developing supply / value chain, Providing
market information & access, Export advisory services,
Software development, Quality certifications, System analysis
& advisory, Event organizing, etc.
Who
Provide Business Development Services?
Any individual or firm having the required know-how, qualification
and expertise to provide related Business Development Services
to an agribusiness enterprise is a Business Development
Services Provider (BDSP). A BDSP can also be termed as a
‘consultant’ or ‘advisor’.
BDSPs
can assist individuals & firms engaged in agri-related
businesses, in employing modern techniques & practices
and building within themselves the different skills, know-how,
expertise and market understanding required by a fast-changing
economic environment and improving their productivity, profitability,
competitiveness and creditworthiness. BDSPs can play an
important role in the development of a sustainable agribusiness
sector, which can further lead to economic growth &
employment generation in Pakistan.
What
can ASF do for Agribusiness Enterprises?
ASF encourage existing and potential agribusiness enterprises
to hire BDSPs / Consultants for the purchase of required
Business Development Services for their business. ASF extend
its support by sharing upto 50% of the purchase-cost of
such services (upto Rs. 1.50 million on single application),
in shape of grants (non-returnable) on reimbursement basis.
ASF can also share 50% of the cost of acquiring certifications
(ISO, HACCP, EurepGAP, etc.) and other associated costs.
