Panaji, Feb 19 (KNN) The Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) in Goa has announced plans to establish two Business Facilitation Centers (BFC) and one Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Center (WEFC) under the World Bank-funded Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme. 

These centers, scheduled to commence operations by April, will be strategically located in Margao and Panaji, with the WEFC exclusively situated in Panaji.

The initiative comes as part of Goa’s strategic investment plan for enhancing MSME sector performance, which has received funding approval from the Ministry of MSME. 

According to DITC officials, the program aims to address critical areas including improved market access, enhanced credit availability, strengthened institutional governance, and resolution of delayed payment issues facing MSMEs.

Each Business Facilitation Center will operate under a comprehensive leadership structure, featuring a project head supported by specialised experts in banking and compliance, marketing and business development, technology, and supply chain management. 

The DITC will provide office space for all three facilities, positioning them as extension centers to support district-level MSME development.

The centers will serve a crucial role in providing hands-on guidance to MSMEs over a three-year period, focusing on essential business aspects such as market linkages, financial services, and procurement processes. 

Additionally, the BFCs will actively engage with MSME clusters and industry associations to conduct comprehensive sector performance mapping and identify key operational challenges through stakeholder consultations.

The Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Center will specifically focus on addressing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. 

The dedicated team will work to identify and analyse key challenges that currently deter women from entering the business sector, aiming to create more inclusive entrepreneurial opportunities in the state.

(KNN Bureau)