Surinam

Support services for MSE's in general and youth-owned businesses in particular can be broadly subdivided into three groups: non-governmental organizations (NGO's), semi-governmental organizations and government ministries. NGO's include cooperatives, employers associations and interest groups that specifically target women and youth. Most of the efforts to assist the sub-sector have only recently begun, following the introduction of the Government's Structural Adjustment Programme.

The key MSE and youth development support institutions are the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development, the Foundation for Productive Work, and the center for Industrial Development and Export Promotion.

The Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development is the leading vocational training institute in Surinam. The Foundation operates from three training centers and caters to adults and youth. On average, there are some 250 trainees in attendance at any one time in the three centers. Efforts are currently afoot to hand over the management of this government-sponsored program to an indigenous NGO.

The Foundation for Productive Work is another semi-governmental institution engaged in management support services, as well as training and the provision of facilities for the informal sector. This institution can potentially play a pivotal role in supporting youth enterprise development efforts, particularly in the area of incubator facilities and training in industrial arts and crafts.

The center for Industrial Development and Export Promotion, a semi-governmental institution, also provides management support, counseling and consulting services to local businesses, including MSE's.