1. Accounts and Book Keeping as an Entry point Service in developing Market
for Business Development Services for micro Enterprises
Jitesh Panda1
Business Development Services (BDS) refers to all types of services that help to
start, nurture, sustain, strengthen and grow an enterprise. Most of the individuals
and organizations associated with promotion of micro Enterprises recognize the
need for BDS for micro Enterprises (BDS4ME). However, micro Enterprises are
not aware of the need for BDS to strengthen their enterprises. Hence, there is very
little demand for BDS. As there is little demand for BDS, there is also limited
supply of BDS4ME. There is a need to promote both demand and supply of
BDS4ME.
Developing market for BDS4ME would support in sustainability of BDS. This
would also promote availability of quality BDS. However clarity is yet to emerge
on approach to develop BDS market. As most micro Enterprises have not
experienced BDS, while developing BDS market, it may be relevant to start with
supply of BDS (in stead of generating demand).
BDS encompasses a range of services that relates to sourcing technology, inputs
and linking to markets. It also relates to support in developing and implementing
business plan. BDS may also be required to manage day to day operation like
book keeping, accounts and for purchase of raw materials. As BDS involves
range of services, it is difficult to think on how to go about starting BDS for a
micro Enterprise.
In simple terms, BDS would mean developing a business/enterprise from
present stage to the desired stage, with in a timeframe. This would directly relate
to support services related to developing and implementing a business plan.
Different services that would enable this process could be referred as BDS.
However, developing business plan is not so easy. It requires level of trust
between BDS provider and the micro Entrepreneur. Hence, it is desirable to start
offering a specific service, before getting into holistic BDS centred on Business
Plan. It is desirable to provide a specific service that is required over a long span
of time and also contribute in developing business plan.
Accounts and book keeping service seems to be one such service, which is long
term and supports in developing business plan. It promotes trust between BDS
providers and the micro Entrepreneur, which is critical for sustainability of BDS.
This can be an entry point service, in the effort towards facilitating supply of
BDS4ME, which would lead to developing BDS market.
1
Vrutti – A Livelihoods Resource Centre
19, 1st Main, 1st Cross, Ashwath Nagar, RMV 2nd Stage, Bangalore 560 094, India
Email: jitesh@cms-india.org