Russian experts facilitate development of start-up ecosystems in Tajikistan
The development of entrepreneurship and business climate remains high priority for the Republic of Tajikistan. To fulfil this objective the Russian accelerator Internet Initiatives Development Fund (IIDF) was invited to support UNDP Tajikistan in facilitating development of start-up ecosystems.
Over a three-month period the Accelerator developed a course to train local professionals on the specifics of startup ecosystem development and conducted a series of webinars covering such topics as business model creation, market assessment and possible challenges that aspiring startups may face when attracting investment in foreign markets. Four local companies took part in the online training: financial and technology company Alif Bank, airfare selection and purchase platform Fly.tj, IT company Livo and branded clothing and accessories shop chain Iamdifferent.
During the assignment IIDF also developed and presented the concept of venture market development and the concept of the acceleration programme to be launched in Tajikistan. IIDF also prepared recommendations for updating the internal guidelines of co-working, acceleration and incubation programmes in the country.
More than 50 employees of the State Business Incubator of Tajikistan, Accelerate Prosperity Business Accelerator, PEAK Tajikistan, start-ups, consultants and mentors were involved in the implementation of the assignment. They estimate that knowledge gained during training sessions will contribute to the development of innovation business culture and start-up ecosystems in Tajikistan.
Accelerator IIDF is a programme for accelerated business development, including consulting, educational, marketing and legal support, i.e. comprehensive business support: product and sales development, supporting cooperation with strategic customers and attracting investors in the next rounds.
The assignment was implemented under the Knowledge Management and Capacity Building in Russia-UNDP Partnership Projectfunded by the Government of the Russian Federation.