Business assistance offered in Almaty: ways small and medium enterprises (SMEs) receive aid for growth and development.
Reimagining Local Support for Entrepreneurs in Almaty
In a candid discussion during a digital press conference at the regional communications platform in Almaty, Nariman Abilshaikov, director of the city's Entrepreneurship Chamber, shed light on the measures being implemented to bolster the local entrepreneurial community. Almaty.tv reported on this insightful briefing.
Amid challenging economic times, the city administration has prioritized supporting local manufacturers. To achieve this goal, innovative solutions are being introduced. For starters, the city's akim, Bakytzhan Sagintayev, in collaboration with the Almaty Entrepreneurship Chamber, has launched a platform called otp.kz which is accessible via infokazakhstan.kz. This portal houses the 'Registry of Domestic Producers,' currently boasting an impressive 12,000 product names.
"This site hosts the 'Registry of Domestic Producers', with 12,000 different product names. Presently, 512 businesses in Almaty hold ST-KZ certificates and production certificates. Each local entrepreneur can list their details on the registry," Nariman Abilshaikov explained.
It's essential to understand that these certificates are awarded to gain tariff advantages in target countries, such as reduced or waived customs duties, and to bypass non-tariff regulations like import/export bans.
At present, a total of 287 "ST-KZ" certificates of origin have been dispensed by the NPP, and 3,962 for export. So far this year, 4,249 certificates have been bestowed upon entrepreneurs.
Notable efforts are also being invested in offering consultative assistance for entrepreneurs on a wide range of matters. Consequently, the "Entrepreneur Services Center" functions in eight city districts under the Almaty Entrepreneurship Chamber.
"Entrepreneurs in the southern capital can drop by their local service centers to receive complimentary advice at their convenience," N. Abilshaikov remarked.
Services rendered to entrepreneurs gratis include:
- Guidance on maintaining accounts and conducting statistical reporting;
- Legal assistance;
- Marketing expertise;
- Assistance in navigating state procurement;
- Consultations on selling products and utilizing e-services.
Interestingly, N. Abilshaikov shared that the most sought-after service among entrepreneurs is the development of a business plan. This year, consultants have helped devise 207 business plans, amounting to 4,153,000,000 tenge. Out of these, 64 projects have been endorsed by second-tier banks, receiving a combined allocation of 801,500,000 tenge.
To empower burgeoning entrepreneurs under the state program "Enbek," the "Baqytty Business" project is underway in Almaty.
This project aims to educate the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Upon completion of the project, students shall receive a 200-monthly calculated unit grant for business development. As of June, 2,287 students have concluded the "Baqytty Business" project. In 2020, 1,705 grants were issued in Almaty. Moreover, 320 students who graduated from the "Baqytty Business" project have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey this year," N. Abilshaikov added.
It's worth noting that specifics about the "Baqytty Business" project in Almaty aren't easily accessible. For comprehensive information on this program, consulting local business development resources or researching government websites related to entrepreneurship support programs in Kazakhstan would be advisable. Additionally, similar initiatives worldwide might function similarly to foster entrepreneurship, with resources, mentorship, and funding provided to aspiring entrepreneurs, training sessions, business planning support, and networking opportunities offered. Such programs often arrange events like hackathons, workshops, or business competitions to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, and participants can receive guidance on developing business ideas, financial planning, and marketing strategies. These initiatives can benefit entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to access funds, build partnerships, and learn from successful business leaders.
- The 'Registry of Domestic Producers' in Almaty, containing 12,000 product names, is hosted on the platform otp.kz.
- A total of 512 businesses in Almaty possess ST-KZ certificates and production certificates, which can be listed on the registry.
- These certificates help local entrepreneurs gain tariff advantages, reducing or waiving customs duties, and bypassing non-tariff regulations.
- The Entrepreneur Services Center, functioning in eight city districts under the Almaty Entrepreneurship Chamber, provides free advice to entrepreneurs on various topics, such as account maintenance, legal assistance, marketing, state procurement, and product sales.
- The most sought-after service among Almaty entrepreneurs is the development of a business plan, and consultants have helped create 207 such plans this year, totaling 4,153,000,000 tenge.
- The "Baqytty Business" project, under the state program "Enbek," aims to educate entrepreneurs in Almaty on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Participants who complete the project can receive a grant for business development, with 2,287 students having concluded the project as of June this year.
