YES Better Business is a practical course designed to raise the skills level of entrepreneurs so they can develop and run a successful business.
YES Better Business is targeted to anyone who is running or managing an existing business that they wish to develop further. Participants are selected on the basis that they have the enthusiasm to overcome deficiencies they perceive in their current management processes, and the desire to build their business capability.
This course consists of a five one day workshops conducted over a four week period. One-on-one coaching sessions are conducted between workshops to provide participants with guidance on goal setting and strategies to consider for their business before they return to the next workshop.
The YES Better Business course covers the fundamentals of:
- Business Planning
- Finance
- People Management
- Marketing
Two experienced ABV volunteers facilitate each YES Better Business course. Local guests are also invited to take part (e.g. bank managers to provide information about access to credit and local successful business people to talk about their experiences).
This course has received strong support from host governments, private sector peak bodies (such as Chambers of Commerce), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and AusAID in-country staff.
Participants in several developing countries have acknowledged several practical benefits from taking part in YES Better Business courses:
- Increase Business Volume
- Ability to progress from planning a business to actually opening a business
- Increased understanding of financial position and ability to make informed decisions about current position and/or future expansion
- Ability to plan and manage a business
- Ability to manage cash flow
- Improved working environment
- Improved customer service
- Ability to correctly price products and services
- Improved financial management and systems
Testimonials from YES Better Business course participants:
"I found the YES course to be incredibly helpful and insightful... meeting other people in similar situations was an affirming experience, particularly as being a sole trader can be quite isolating." (F.E. - Lawyer, Samoa)
"…my customers are also young people … and a few who are interested in setting up their own [businesses] in time to come. I am so grateful I am able to pass on to them the knowledge I gained…" (P.C. - Retailer, Fiji)
"[The YES course] is a breath of fresh air and it really made me sit down and look at what I needed to do. I have taken care of my problem areas now… and the outcome for my business has been tremendous." (R.S. - Real Estate Agent, Samoa)