Ipse publishes business planning handbook

The Institute for the Promotion of Small Enterprise yesterday launched a handbook on business planning.

Participation certificates were also presented to applicants who successfully completed courses in business planning, financial management for SMEs and sales techniques for the furniture industry.

Speaking at Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel, in Floriana, Economic Services Minister Josef Bonnici praised Ipse's initiative in organising the courses which, he said, helped local entrepreneurs to be more competitive in their line of work.

Prof. Bonnici commended the publication of the business planning handbook which, he said, was useful for guiding new entrepreneurs in setting up their business and also to help strengthen established businesses.

The handbook was published in both English and Maltese in order to cater for a wide audience base.

The manual highlights the main steps in drafting a business plan including marketing, operations, human resources and financial projections.

Joe Vella Bonnici, Ipse's chief executive officer, said that within an increasingly complex and competitive environment business planning had become one of Ipse's core philosophies as entrepreneurs were encouraged to plan their operations over a three-year period.

In fact, Ipse clients have to submit a business plan to become eligible for assistance programmes. This concept has now been readily accepted by entrepreneurs as an important tool to consolidate competitiveness and meet the challenges ahead.

The certificates were presented by Prof. Josef Bonnici and by Mr Vella Bonnici.

More than 100 participants attended three courses organised by Ipse which is now also holding a course on the basic principles of marketing. This course will be conducted by Marika Fsadni.