Despite the effects of the pandemic, 65% of Greek small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that participated in the Advice for Small Businesses programme of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), one year after its completion. At the same time, one in two (50%) reported an increase in its exports. The above was pointed out, speaking to ANA-MPA, Dimitra Papandreou, principal manager of the program. A programme that will continue at least until 2024, with the support of its funders. That is, the EU - through the European Investment Advisors Hub of the European Investment Bank (EIB) - the Hellenic Republic and the EBRD itself.

"We are very happy that since the beginning of the implementation of the "Advice for Small Businesses" program in Greece in 2018 and until today, we have managed to support about 130 Greek SMEs, offering personalized consulting services. Also, more than 500 representatives of the business ecosystem have been supported through business workshops in various sectors. For example, olive oil and modern technologies. This was done through technical seminars, with an emphasis on exports and through their interconnection with other companies abroad", ms Papandreou pointed out. Papandreou At the same time, it was announced that the EBRD's aim, from the very beginning, was to cover businesses from all over Greece. "We have managed so far to have two-thirds of them located outside Attica, with 32% based in Northern Greece."

Advice for Small Businesses - EBRD Thessaloniki Office

The Thessaloniki office of the EBRD closes two years of operation this year. How many northern Greek businesses were supported in total in the two-year period? "Businesses in Northern Greece have shown great interest from the beginning of the programme. The strong demand and the increased production and industrial activity in the wider area led us to the decision to open the Thessaloniki office in 2019. In the last two years and with the local presence of our team, we have implemented a total of 30 projects and we are continuing", noted Ms. Papandreou. As he explained, businesses in Northern Greece mainly received consultancy services in the areas of sales and marketing. A very large proportion also concerned export support. There has also been great demand in the fields of strategy and business operations.

The example of a furniture company

According to the principal manager of the program «Advice for Small Businesses», During the pandemic, the aim was to support businesses in the fields most in need. Both through consulting services, "and by adapting our operation to operate completely remotely and offering additional services. For example, the free training seminars for SMEs on crisis management issues". With regard to advisory services, Ms. Papandreou mentioned indicatively the example of the furniture company "Letto Bros A. Koiou OE" (Letto) from Thessaloniki. "We initially worked with Letto to provide her with consulting services related to market analysis, the strategic decisions she had to make. Aim to become more competitive, achieve its goals and plan the next steps.

During the pandemic, at the request of the company to support it in its planning against the effects of the crisis, we implemented a second project in the field of sales. The consultant chosen by the company helped her define her strong competitive advantage. At the same time, to draw up a strategy for the development of a sales network throughout Greece. Through the support of the program and in the midst of a pandemic, the family business managed not only to maintain, but also to increase its turnover. It also increased market share and evolved further," he said.

What services did businesses request in the midst of a pandemic?

What were the basic needs of Greek businesses for consulting services in the midst of a pandemic? "A very large percentage of our customers are family businesses driven by the vision of their owner. In order to evolve, further specialized knowledge is needed. The basic need, therefore, from the beginning of the program, was the creation of a strategic plan. A field that continued to be a very big part of our demand and in the midst of a pandemic where our customers were looking for new ways to evolve. Subsequently, marketing and sales development were areas with high demand. The interest was strong for extroversion and opening up to foreign markets, in order to mitigate the losses from the limited local market. We have also implemented projects related to operation, cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. Also in the technological upgrade", clarified Ms. Papandreou.

The programme Advice for Small Businesses

It is reminded that the "Advice for Small Businesses" program can include private small and medium-sized enterprises with more than two years of operation. The annual turnover should be up to EUR 50 million. or the balance sheet up to EUR 43 million. euro. The number of employees must be up to 250 people and the majority of the owners must be Greek. The "Advice for Small Businesses" program excludes businesses from the sectors of games, military activities and weapons, "heavy" alcohol, tobacco, financial and insurance services. "Our goal is to meet the needs of the market and to be next to SMEs and therefore as long as there are needs, we will look for resources to meet them", he concluded.