The EYB programme is targeted at the higher-end target group of small and medium enterprises. According to a profile study of GOEs conducted by the ILO-SIYB Regional Project Office conducted in 2000, a typical GOE normally has a minimum of a Diploma or higher tertiary qualifications; they employ (at least partly) people with similar or sometimes even better qualifications; they have often worked in a large organization with considerable responsibilities; some of them have (extensive) overseas exposure and consider themselves as high profile business people.

Accordingly, the selection process for EYB training providers has ensured that high profile training providers are selected to deliver this product to the market. Trainer selection is done through a 3-stage process.

Selection Process for EYB Trainers
Through direct marketing, all potential trainers in each EYB programme country are invited to apply for the training of trainers programme.

The first stage subsequently comprises of desk selection done by considering curriculum vitas and capability statements. This stage may also involve submission and checking of referrals such as clients of the training & consulting company, or it may require sitting for a test in the selected modules.

Those candidates who pass this stage are then invited to the EYB Training of Entrepreneurs Seminar. This is the second stage. This comprises a two-week rigorous training programme during which participants are introduced to the following:

• An overview of all the four modules to assist them in marketing the EYB as a whole package
• In-depth discussions and training in the selected module that the potential trainer is best positioned for to offer
• Training in how to conduct follow up and provide individual counselling sessions
• How to facilitate various business linkages in areas identified during needs assessment (in export, marketing, finance, etc.)
• The entire EYB training cycle beginning with marketing, selection and grouping, needs assessment, how to conduct training, training methodologies and monitoring and evaluation (quality control)
• The EYB game, enabling the trainers to facilitate the game during all Training of Entrepreneurs seminars

The third and last stage consists of observation of the trainer implementing EYB training in the field. This involves the trainer conducting marketing the EYB programme, conducting needs assessment, selection and grouping and customizing the EYB offer to potential growth entrepreneurs, and preparing to conduct the Training of Entrepreneurs sessions in the selected module. If the trainers pass this 3rd stage effectively, they are then certified by the ILO and listed in the official Directory of EYB Training Providers.

Trainer Competencies
Because of this comprehensive process that is followed by the ILO in selecting and developing trainers, the EYB Trainers are expected to be committed and experienced high profile trainers & consultants. The selection process ensures that they are specialists in the modules they wish to offer and should have a proven track record in training and providing follow up services. They should currently be offering a broad range of business development services to the GOEs with a market driven approach.

In addition, the potential trainers should have a good reputation and should command respect among their peers in business and business development services to SMEs.

The potential EYB training providers should have the following as minimum qualifications:

• At least a degree in business management or any related business management field with a minimum of 5 years experience in the field of SMEs.
• Experience in business advisory and follow up services
• The ability to facilitate linkages with financial and business institutions
• The ability to train in at least one of the four modules of the EYB names; Strategic Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management and Human Resources
• A proven track record of involvement in business management training interventions
• Experience as a practicing consultant with a registered firm
• Financial and other resources to invest (on a for-profit basis) in training and follow up services
• Experience in working with Growth Oriented Entrepreneurs
• At least 30 years of age.

Your EYB trainer
The list, profiles and contact details of EYB training providers in the project countries are given below. Please contact any of the trainers in Zimbabwe, Uganda and Zambia