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1.
What does “JOBS” stand for?
“JOBS” stands
for “Job Opportunities and Business Support.” The JOBS Project is
an economic opportunity development project funded by the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) and
implemented by the Center for Institutional Reform and the
Informal Sector (IRIS) at the University of Maryland.
What is the main objective of the JOBS Project?
The JOBS
Project believes that the best engines for economic development
are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in countries
with high population densities like Bangladesh. The JOBS Project
provides assistance to SMEs through a wide range of technical,
marketing, networking, and support services to promote their
growth and enable them to create new business and employment
opportunities for Bangladesh.
What business sectors does JOBS provide assistance to?
JOBS is
providing assistance to the following sectors:
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Footwear
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Home Textiles
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Leather Goods
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Floor Coverings
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Handicrafts
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Handmade Paper and Stationary
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Diversified Jute Products
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Coconut Coir Products
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Jewelry
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Light Electrical and Electronics
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Agro-Business
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E-Commerce/Information and Communication Technology
Who does JOBS assist?
JOBS assists
new or experienced potential entrepreneurs committed to the
socio-economic development of Bangladesh through their business
enterprises. We have an assessment methodology that helps us
identify entrepreneurs likely to become successful JOBS’ working
partners.
Does JOBS provide funds?
Although JOBS
does not provide funds directly, we have a Loan Facilitation Unit
that works closely with our clients to assist them in accessing
capital from banks and other financial institutions.
What technical support does JOBS provide?
“A True
Commitment to Capacity Building for Enterprise Development” is the
motto of the JOBS Project. Because a developed knowledge base is
critical to economic development, JOBS’ most important tool in its
enterprise development efforts is the technical training it
provides its clients through its experienced Training Unit. The
JOBS Training Unit has developed Training Modules on a wide
variety of business topics; interested enterprises working for the
socio-economic development of Bangladesh can take part in any of
JOBS’ training modules per the Project’s terms and conditions. For
more information about the type of training JOBS offers and
applicable terms and conditions, please contact SM Shahidullah,
Manager, Training Component.
What is our working area?
The JOBS
Project has been working with selected clients throughout
Bangladesh since September 1997 to promote the growth of the
nation’s SMEs.
 Has JOBS promoted the growth of Bangladesh’s exports?
Yes. One of the
JOBS Project’s main objectives is to increase Bangladesh’s exports
by helping to improve the quality of our clients’ products. We
also provide technical assistance related to export development.
For example, in the Footwear Sector we have facilitated
participation in international trade fairs in Japan, South Africa,
and Europe that resulted in almost $24 million of export sales for
our clients. In the Home Textile Sector, we helped our clients
attend four trade fairs in the US and the UK that resulted in $8
million in export sales.
Does JOBS assist its clients in domestic marketing?
Yes. JOBS
provides technical assistance to our clients to market their
products locally.
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