Second stage of the business ideas competition announced - how APM Terminals Poti is supporting the development of local small businesses
With the financial support of APM Terminals Poti, the Export Development Association is implementing a small business incentive programme, APMTerminals4Poti, to support local entrepreneurship.
The programme has announced a call for start-ups and entrepreneurs in Poti to pitch their business ideas to gain participatory, targeted funding and improve their business management skills.
Within the framework of the programme, more than 80 small business projects in Poti will be funded, which will create new jobs and improve access to products and services for the population of Poti. The maximum amount to be allocated to each project is 4,000 GEL; the beneficiaries of the assistance must themselves contribute not less than 20% of the requested budget.
“Having strong, independent and sustainable small businesses in Georgia, particularly in Poti, is absolutely critical as they represent the backbone of the economy and foundation for the prosperous future of the country. By launching this programme, we want to provide opportunities for people with an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset in the local community, which is in line with Maersk values and sustainability principles”, says Keld Mosgaard Christensen, Managing Director of APM Terminals Poti.
Programme Director Giorgi Gudabandze notes that the scope of business ideas within the competition is not limited, however, he notes, it is desirable that entrepreneurs present new and innovative products or services adapted to the local reality. Gudabandze says it is necessary for the idea to have a sustainable social and economic result, and to be implemented in the city of Poti.
As APM Terminal Poti is a signatory to the Women Empowerment Principles, the priority of the program is to involve more women in economic activities; 40% of the targeted funding budget for the competition will be directed to the economic empowerment of women as well as to support young people and vulnerable groups. It should be noted that this approach is in line with the company's overall corporate responsibility strategy of supporting local needs and implementing effective measures aimed at the sustainable development.
Detailed information on the Small Entrepreneurs Support Program is available at: https://www.eda.org.ge/4poti. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2021.
