Establishment of CKB:

The Executive Council of Bonaire has established Centrum Kleinbedrijf Bonaire (CKB) by executing the Memorandum of Association of a Foundation by the offices of Notary Public A.P.Knuf on 20 April 1999. The Island Council approved the establishment and financing of the Foundation on 22 December 1998. The objective of the CKB is to promote and to stimulate the micro- and small business sector on the Island of Bonaire.

According to its Memorandum, the foundation will realize its objective by:

• implementing the SESNA Program on Bonaire;
• providing training and business advice in the form of individual advice and group training courses;
• to act as an advising unit concerning the Island Government micro-and small business sector policies;
• Cooperating with other organizations and persons, which endeavor the same objectives.

Since the appointment of the manager, CKB has already assisted micro- and small business entrepreneurs by providing counseling services and information nights, CKB also made a market survey on the needs of the MSEs. Full operation has already started now that all formalities for SESNA have been fulfilled. For example completion of the business plan 2004- 2007, submitting a business plan for 2007- 2009, completion of the fourth EDF (European Development Fund). The annual work program is referred for the Board of Directors, the Territorial Authorizing Officers (TAO) and the Delegation of the European Commission for approval.

The Objective and Purpose of CKB:

CKB is to adhere to the following purposes:

• To provide essential business skills training and support services to selected micro- and small business entrepreneurs (MSEs) on a continuing and sustainable basis;
• Upgrade the quality of MSEs support organizations to provide business advisory and training services;
• Promote an improved MSEs business policy framework with the Island Government.

Through SESNA and the assistance of the SESNA Advisers, CKB has become a professional business advisory and training institution, which matches the quality of services of an international business management consultants firm, but the target group is primarily the MSEs. It has a wide network of trained SESNA business advisors and trainers and an excellent reputation with the banks. It has to target to work with the banks on the basis of trust, expertise and mutual understanding.

When CKB has grown into a well-established and reputable unit with highly skilled management and staff, CKB is also in the position to be engaged in other projects. 

The Targeted Results of the Program by CKB:

The targeted results of the Program at the end of the total programme are as follows:

• Small- and micro entrepreneurs have increased their profitability;
• Small- and micro entrepreneurs are duly informed about the legal environment, business procedures, market products throughout business trainings;
• The access to credit and financial services for the Small- and micro entrepreneurs has been improved;
• CKB sets a target of 300 jobs to preserved and 60 additional jobs to be created in micro- and small businesses;
• Around 3 business advisers trained in providing tailor-made advice and training to small- and micro entrepreneurs;
• Around 5 business trainers trained in conducting professional tailor-made generic training courses.

The Board of Directors, normally consisting of five members. At this moment the Board consists out of 4 members representing the Government and the Private sector. The Board is independent and should see to it that the activities and decision-making of CKB be non-political. It will guide CKB towards financial, as well as professional, sustainability.

The management team of the Centrum Kleinbedrijf Bonaire consists of a Manager and an Assistant Manager, being assisted by SESNA long-term and short-term advisers. The management of the CKB is responsible to the Board of Directors and DOS/ SESNA. In conjunction with the Board, management is highly motivated and determined to achieve the set objectives, in order to assure the future existence of the foundation and, more so, to contribute to the overall economic development of the Island of Bonaire.

The Manager of the Centrum Kleinbedrijf Bonaire is responsible for the daily operations and the execution of the annual EDF work programs. Apart from a good professional background, his personal motivation and integrity are essential. The manager is responsible for the implementation of the strategic business, defining the policies, priorities and service packages, which include an appropriate fee structure. With his background and qualifications, he will provide the clients appropriate and relevant services. He will develop key service packages related to specific advisory, training and information services that should correspond with the priorities of the clients. The Assistant Manager will work in close conjunction with the Manager to ensure that all set objectives will be achieved.

The SESNA Advisers will guide the CKB Manager and Assistant to achieve sustainability, to provide the training, advice and counseling if required, and to help with the procedures of the SESNA Program.

CKB Location and Facilities:

The office is located in a quality space downtown Kralendijk, which is easily accessible to all clients. CKB has installed an in-house Internet server, tied to the net with a T-1 connection, to make sure that communications are flowing. There are two (2) large spaces for the provision of training and workshops. In the near future, it will provide information and will have a space where clients can peruse magazines relevant to small enterprises. Easy access to the office is important and quick response to requests for information is essential. Precise time limits will be established and enforced by the CKB staff once they know the local needs and realistic expectations of the small- and micro entrepreneurs. This will result in trust between client and provider. The offices are open at normal working hours, but management is ready to meet with clients upon appointment after work time.

The administration and accountancy is as simple as possible. Two computers with the accessories, according to the specification and available from the EDF budget, had to be procured already by CKB. These computers will be the central administration and accountancy facilities.

For all existing and new clients a central register will be maintained. For clients coming for inquiries, a first contact form has been designed, which will enable the CKB management to obtain relevant and specific information and to assess the client and his project quickly. The details from this form will be recorded in a central register. This register will be linked to the accounting system to be designed by the SESNA Financial Management and Information Technology Adviser. This Adviser selected QuickBooks Pro 2003 for the accountant of the SESNA Advisory Units. This system is already installed in the computers, but the Adviser will adjust this software program to the needs of CKB. The accountancy program can also be used to assist clients. Since CKB has a target to preserve 300 jobs and create 60 additional jobs in the small- and micro entrepreneurs, the registration should include details on employment.

CKB offers services to small- and micro entrepreneurs, which are based on fees per hour. Therefore the manager has designed a time sheet to record the time used for activities undertaken, such as organizing training, accounting and advising MSEs clients.

The services provided by CKB consist of the following basic activities:

• Business Advisory Services;
• Business Trainings;
• Providing Information Services.

These services are provided at a reasonable cost below the actual operating costs in order to help entrepreneurs with a low income and to encourage them to seek advice. CKB will provide the services where possible, but will sub-contract services to business advisors and trainers related to CKB with whom a service contract has been signed.

The CKB provides hands-on, tailor-made advice on an individual basis.

The services that CKB, together with its business advisors, can offer are, for instance, the following service products:

• Business Planning;
• Counseling;
• Marketing Advice;
• Accountancy;
• Inventory control;
• Payroll;
• Advocacy towards e.g., the government or bank;
• Financial planning;
• Cash budget and Cash flow management;
• Communication;
• ICT.

CKB and the business advisors related to CKB have obtained on-the-job and classroom training by the SESNA Advisers on these products, in order to enable them to give professional support to the MSE clients. The business advisers will be engaged by CKB on a part-time, free-lance basis. A detailed database of all business advisers already or potentially related to CKB has been designed and maintained. A framework contract will be signed in which the terms and conditions including an hourly fee rate are agreed. Based on this framework a contract per service, which will include the amount of time to provide the service, date(s) of the service to be delivered, and the contract price to be agreed upon. Sub-contracting the service products to associated business advisers will require close supervision and high quality hands-on advice and guidance.

The following flow chart provides an outline of the methodology of the operations.

Table 1: Flow Chart of Entrepreneur seeking assistance from CKB (downloadable in pdf format)

Business Training:

Starters and non-experienced entrepreneurs will receive classroom training. They will require basic business knowledge and techniques. The training and advice will be driven by high quality control, in order to create willingness among the MSEs to pay for the services rendered by the CKB. In order to be effective, classroom training will be given in small groups of entrepreneurs in subjects such as financial, marketing, and organizational management. Training will always be based on a consistent and simple business planning methodology and terminology customized to the local needs.

Business trainers and business advisers, including the manager of the CKB, who are qualified in teaching, will provide classroom training. The SESNA advisors will give training and assistance to the CKB management, business advisor(s) and trainers. They will develop a package of computerized business planning tools and standard products, such as accounting and planning systems for specific types of micro/small businesses, in collaboration with the manager and selected business advisors and trainers of the CKB.

The intention to provide training services is to equip entrepreneurs of micro- and small businesses with certain basic tools and knowledge so as to become more successful and professional in their business. The selections of training topics are based upon feedback received from the MSEs. This will lead to a better knowledge and awareness of the MSEs' needs.

Information Services:

The CKB will not always be able to render all sorts of specific information services to MSEs, but CKB will use its network contacts to provide information on where to get the requested advice. CKB will also grant advice upon request to the Island Government, in particular to the Department of Economic Affairs. Advice rendered to policymakers will, nevertheless, be solely in regard to the MSEs' promotion.

The advice given will be based on "field experience." The CKB, with the SESNA Advisers, has developed starter packets and improve “your” business packages. In these packets, information will be given on how to make a marketing plan, financial plan, and information on tax laws, social security and government regulations on health, registration, and labor laws.

The business tools and planning methodology are being developed for the small- and micro entrepreneurs. These consist of practical hand- and computer tools to prepare business plans. A business plan outline is being prepared for hotels and food processing. Along this outline, the entrepreneurs will become aware of the requirements of certain business aspects. For stock or inventory control, usually a weak point of inexperienced entrepreneurs, hands-on methods will be designed.

For quick and easy analysis of the situation of the entrepreneur asking for help, a first contact form has been designed. This form will be used for all entrepreneurs who visit the office, asking for help. Details on this form will be entered into a database of clients enabling the CKB management a quick reference of the background of the clients. This form will be used as the basis for further analysis of the problems and potentials, along with the relevant advisory and training services.

For more information, downloads are available on the following subjects:

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