SMMEs get tips

ISAAC PINIELO
Correspondent | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

She was making a presentation at a breakfast seminar hosted by Kingdom Finance for selected SMMEs that have attended an entrepreneurship and mentorship programme sponsored by the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA).

The seminar, which was held here recently, focused on specific elements that are relevant when SMMEs attempt to apply for a tender.

Mawema said there are basic legislative requirements that have to be met for tendering, among them registration of the enterprise, compliance with tax laws, trading licences (where applicable), import and export permits (where applicable), a permanent business address and traceable contact telecommunications numbers.

She explained that tenders are necessary to provide a competent, independent and unbiased review of proposals and to ensure a fair process.  “The selection process is compliant with procurement procedures, open and transparent; meaning all eligible bidders are given equal access and a fair opportunity to compete for the contracts,” she said. “Proposals are based on the criteria of quality and value for money.”

She said procuring entities in Botswana are the central government, local authorities, parastatals, private sector businesses, NGOs and international development agencies.

It is the responsibility and accountability of the procuring entity to establish that authority has been obtained for the commitment of funds and that financial resources are available to cover the contract, protection of the procuring entity’s interests and to make sure that procurement or contracting procedures are followed.

Mawema said a study by LEA has shown that procuring entities are worried by the capacity of SMMEs issues and issues of poor business practices.