What are Business Development Services (BDS)
August 8-2013
What are Business Development Services (BDS)
What are Business Development Services (BDS)?
Non-financial services which can improve the performance of an agribusiness enterprise, its access to markets and its ability to compete are called Business Development Services (BDS).
Few examples of BDS are: Formulation of feasibility / technical reports & policy, Development of business plans, Management / technical trainings & capacity building, Technology transfer / supply, Operational & other manual designing, Surveys & research, Advisory services, Legal services, Financial services, Engineering services, Machinery & technology procurement, Plant designing, erection and management, Product / sample development, Package designing, Advertising & marketing, Developing supply / value chain, Providing market information & access, Export advisory services, Software development, Quality certifications, System analysis & advisory, Event organizing, etc.
Who are BDS Providers (BDSPs)?
Any individual or firm having the required know-how, qualification and expertise to provide related Business Development Services to an agribusiness enterprise is a Business Development Services Provider (BDSP). A BDSP can also be termed as a ‘consultant’ or ‘advisor’.
What is the role of BDSPs?
BDSPs can assist individuals & firms engaged in agri-related businesses, in employing modern techniques & practices and building within themselves the different skills, know-how, expertise and market understanding required by a fast-changing economic environment and improving their productivity, profitability, competitiveness and creditworthiness. BDSPs can play an important role in the development of a sustainable agribusiness sector, which can further lead to economic growth & employment generation in Pakistan.
What can ASF do for BDSPs?
ASF is in a continuous process of identifying not only the existing experienced individuals and firms but also those people / firms having potential of becoming good BDSPs in future. For this purpose, ASF is registering the existing and potential BDSPs from all over Pakistan including FATA, FANA & AJK and displaying their profiles on its website. This is being done in order to facilitate the potential clients in selecting a BDSP for providing the required services for their business(es).
ASF expects and encourages the registered BDSPs to attend / participate in trainings, workshops, short courses and other capacity building programs held anywhere in Pakistan as well as abroad (conditions apply) for the development of their skills & expertise. In this regard, ASF extends its support by sharing on grant-basis (non-returnable), upto 50% of the fee along with other associated costs.