Helping small and medium-size companies

in The Bahamas become more competitive abroad

Korea-IIC SME Development Trust Fund

 What is FINPYME ExportPlus?
FINPYME ExportPlus is an IIC initiative that seeks to enable small
and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to improve their access to
export markets. FINPYME ExportPlus is in line with the World Trade
Organization’s Aid for Trade initiative. The program carries out a
market study, selects companies in strategic sectors that could
benefit from the program, and provides them with direct technical
assistance, which results in specific benefits and
concrete results. The FINPYME ExportPlus program launched as a
pilot project in Guatemala in 2009, with excellent results. Today, the
program has been extended to several other countries in the Latin
American and Caribbean region.

Aid for Trade

The Aid for Trade initiative was launched in 2005 by the World Trade
Organization (WTO) to help developing countries improve their
ability to operate in the international marketplace by enhancing their
trade promotion programs and developing the necessary
infrastructure to better participate in foreign markets.

The WTO is working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Group to disseminate information on the Aid for Trade initiative and
promote public and private sector cooperation to face worldwide
economic challenges by identifying priorities and supporting viable
business plans.
 How does FINPYME ExportPlus work?
FINPYME ExportPlus selects SMEs that are eligible to receive support
for their export-related activities. Their operations and business plans
are analyzed, and they receive technical assistance.

FINPYME ExportPlus will operate on three fronts:

1. Researching the market. The IIC has already carried out market
research and hired international experts to identify key sectors where
SMEs are active and have the potential to boost exports if they become
more efficient and gain access to new markets.

2. Gathering data. Data will be gathered on SMEs operating in these

sectors in order to identify those that could benefit most from techni-
cal
assistance services.

3. Providing technical assistance. SMEs in each country will be selected

to potentially participate in this program and receive technical
assistance oriented towards strengthening their export capabilities.

Participation in FINPYME ExportPlus

Eligibility criteria
Companies that want to participate in the program should:

• have been operating for at least three years;

• have annual sales of at least US$200,000;
• operate in IIC-eligible sectors; and
• Operate in compliance with environmental and occupational safety laws
and regulations.
 What type of technical assistance
will FINPYME ExportPlus offer?
Companies selected through this program will be reviewed based
on their needs and may be eligible to receive technical assistance in
specific areas, with the goal of improving their export capabilities. In
the past, topics have included:

• Certification processes: improving SME s’ ability to comply with

certifications in such area as sanitation, packaging, and quality;
• Operations: upgrading processes improvements to improve
productivity; and
• Management: improving management skills in such area as
marketing, strategic planning, and export sales.

Technical assistance will be provided to companies through

group-based workshops and, in some cases, individually.

What are FINPYME ExportPlus‘s goals?

FINPYME ExportPlus seeks to support SME competitiveness
internationally and complement IDB programs related to the WTO’s Aid
for Trade initiative. FINPYME ExportPlus complements other IIC efforts
to fulfill its mandate to promote the economic development of Latin
America and the Caribbean.
 How is FINPYME ExportPlus implemented?
FINPYME ExportPlus has three phases:
1. Identifying and selecting products and companies to participate
in the initiative.
2. Reviewing companies for their technical assistance needs to
strengthen their export capabilities, and providing technical
assistance to companies selected.
3. Providing SMEs with guidance and training to assist them in their
export needs.

Who supports FINPYME ExportPlus?

Inter-American Investment Corporation
The Inter-American Investment Corporation is a multilateral financial institution that is a member of the Inter-American
Development Bank Group. Its mission is to promote the economic development of its regional member countries by
encouraging the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises, particularly those that are small
and medium in size. It has 44 member countries and provides financing (in the form of equity investments, loans,
guarantees, and other instruments) and advisory services to private enterprises in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The IIC will be the initiative’s lead coordinator. More information on the IIC can be found at www.iic.int.

Korea-IIC SME Development Trust Fund

The Korea-IIC SME Development Trust Fund is FINPYME ExportPlus’s main sponsor. The Government of Korea promotes
solidarity, ensuring that the lives and human dignity of the people of the world are protected, and cooperation among
the world’s nations and communities.

Inter-American Development Bank

The Inter-American Development Bank is a multilateral regional development institution. It provides solutions to
development challenges throughout its twenty-six Latin American and Caribbean member countries. It partners
with governments, companies, and civil society organizations. The IDB provides loans and grants. It also disseminates
research results and offers advice and technical assistance to support key areas, such as education, poverty reduction,
and agriculture.
In collaboration with:

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce

For more information, please contact:
Donald Demeritte:
finpyme@thebahamaschamber.com
(242) 322-2145

Main Contacts:
Narae Lee
Antonello Bove
finpyme@iadb.org
Inter American Investment Corporation
1350 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20577
USA
Telephone: (202) 623-3900
www.iic.int