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1.7 Promoting entrepreneurship: Working Out of Poverty

Written by: International Labour Organization

Article Overview: The tools developed by the ILO to promote micro and small enterprises can be targeted to meet the needs of the poorest.

1.7 Promoting entrepreneurship: Working Out of Poverty

The tools developed by the ILO to promote micro and small enterprises
can be targeted to meet the needs of the poorest. ILO training courses
on how to start and improve a small business attract many thousands of poor
people with aspirations and good ideas for a business of their own. Many
have already developed some kind of income-generating activity out of pure
necessity for survival. Here, our tools and guidance turn their ingenuity and
commitment into entrepreneurship and sound management. For example,
home-based food processing activities become small restaurants on the
roadside, carpenter shops expand their markets with new products, and hairdressers
start small beauty salons. In response to new demands from community
groups wanting to improve their living conditions, targeted support
helps them to set up sustainable waste collection enterprises or drinking
water kiosks. These community-based enterprises are a source of new job
opportunities for youth and women with low skill levels. In partnership with
local governments, they provide sustainable environmental services which
are accessible and affordable for the poor. Blended into the training approach
are concerns for job quality, productivity, organization and dialogue
– especially when small enterprises start engaging more workers.

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Article Tags: aspirations, beauty salons, carpenter, community groups, dialogue, drinking water, food processing, guidance, ilo, ingenuity, job opportunities, local governments, new job, partnership, productivity, skill levels, small business, sound management, sustainable waste, training courses



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