Section 12, Development Agency Act, 2016

(1) The object for which the Agency is established is topromote a conducive business environment including an efficient and effective service delivery network in order to empower and develop Small and Medium Enterprises for growth, productivity and competitiveness. (2) Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (1) the Agency shall– (a) design and implement development support programmes and schemes for Small and Medium Enterprises; (b) facilitate, assist and provide market access and business linkage opportunities to Small and Medium Enterprises in order to enable them compete successfully in national and international markets; (c) advise the Minster on policy issues relating to entrepreneurship promotion and development of Small and Medium Enterprises; (d) provide core support services, particularly entrepreneurship, development, business facilitation, counselling and mentoring services; (e) implement and operate a registration scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises and Small and Medium Industries; (f) facilitate access to industrial space, finance and other productive resources; (g) empower product specific and sector specific Small and Medium Enterprises and Small and Medium Industries to enhance their delivery capabilities; (h) co-ordinate with other support organisations and stakeholders in the fulfilment of its objectives; (i) facilitate networking and market linkages among Small and Medium Enterprises; (k) facilitate development of linkages by large enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises; (l) promote technological and managerial capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises; (m) ensure that benefits and assistance identified for Small and Medium Enterprises reach targeted institutions; (n) identify best practices and disseminate them to Small and Medium Enterprises; (o) organise and encourage participation of Small and Medium Enterprises in trade, industrial and entrepreneurship development; . (p) conduct surveys in the Small and Medium Enterprises sector and provide market intelligence for those enterprises including providing reports on various economic indicators; (q) design, implement, coordinate and monitor assistance programmes and projects provided for Small and Medium Enterprises; 10 11 Functions of No. 2 Sierra Leone Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency Act 2016No. 2 Sierra Leone Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency Act 2016 (r) collaborate with other local and international agencies dealing with Small and Medium Enterprises to develop the local Small and Medium Enterprises through skills enhancement programmes for the officers of the Agency including participation in seminars, workshops and other capacity building programmes; (s) facilitate and coordinate research relating to the development of Small and Medium Enterprises and Small and Medium Industries; (t) inform the public at large about entrepreneurship activities; (u) provide business incubator facilities for Small and Medium Enterprises and Small and Medium Industries; (v) devise and review policies relating to Small and Medium Enterprises; and Small and Medium Industries; and (w) co-ordinate entrepreneurship activities and initiatives of public sector agencies and of the private sector relating to Small and Medium Enterprises and Small and Medium Industries. PART IV – ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS