Oe-cusse, Timor-Leste (May 5, 2021)

The third cycle of the Oe-Cusse Business Incubator (OBI) kicked off in Oesilo on May 4^th, 2021. Fifty-five (55) persons, 28 female and 27 male, attended the OBI socialization workshop at the sub-district office.

The OBI programme was established by RAEOA-ZEESM TL, through the Regional Secretary of Commerce, Industry and Environment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The aim of the programme is to foster sustainable livelihoods in Oé-Cusse through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development, and to build regional capacity to promote an enabling business environment.

The main activity of OBI is the business plan competition which is now in its third cycle. The 1^st cycle was conducted in 2017, the 2^nd in 2019 and the 3^rd cycle is commenced on May 4^th, 2021. The competition phase consists of socialisation, registration, training and coaching on business planning, feasibility assessment, final presentation, and winner selection. The purchasing of materials and equipment for the winners and monitoring the business progress complete the process.

In terms of the socialisation workshops that are being held in May, the objective is to introduce the OBI program to SMEs and the community in Oe-Cusse, and motivate and encourage them to register for the OBI competition. For the remainder of this month, the next OBI socialisation workshop will be held in Passabe on May 5^th, then in Nitibe on May 6^th and 7^th, and finish up in Pante Makassar on May 12^th.

Registration for the OBI competition will start on May 17^th and continue until May 28^th, 2021. For further information on the OBI programme, the socialisation workshops and registering for the competition contact Mr. Francisco Ximenes at francisco.ximenes@undp.org or 77584341.