SIYB Programme

ICST

Institute of Certified SIYB Trainers

About The ILO-SIYB Programme

The Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme is a management training programme owned by the International Labor Organization with a focus on starting and improving small businesses as a strategy for creating more and better employment for women and men, particularly in developing economies. With an estimated outreach of 6 million trainees and a network of over 17,000 Trainers as well as a range of materials translated into over 40 languages, it is one of the world’s largest programmes in this field.

Through its four inter-related packages – Generate Your Business Idea (GYB), Start Your Business (SYB), Improve Your Business (IYB), and Expand Your Business (EYB) – SIYB aims to create jobs by enabling potential and existing small entrepreneurs to;

  • Start viable businesses
  • Increase the profitability of their existing enterprises
  • Improve the working conditions of their employees in a way that enhances productivity

Its implementation model is based on a three-tier structure comprising Master Trainers, Trainers and the end beneficiaries – potential and existing entrepreneurs – which enables both large-scale outreach through a multiplier effect as well as quality control through the feedback mechanisms between the actors.

The SYB Modules

Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI)

Generate Your Business Idea (GYB) is intended for people who would like to start a business, and who, through the training, develop a concrete business idea ready for implementation. A GYB course typically lasts 2-3 days.

Start Your Business (SYB)

Start Your Business (SYB) is for potential entrepreneurs who want to start a small business and already have a concrete business idea. The programme is a combination of training, field work and after-training support, and helps Potential Entrepreneurs assess their readiness to start a business and to prepare a business plan and evaluate its viability. SYB courses are usually delivered in 5 days.

Improve Your Business (IYB)

Improve Your Business (IYB) introduces already practising entrepreneurs to good principles of business management. The IYB modules include; Marketing, Costing, Buying and stock control, Record keeping, Planning for your business, People and Productivity. The six modules can be taught individually or all combined in a full course. If the full course using all modules is delivered, its duration is approximately 7-14 days.

Expand Your Business (EYB)

Expand Your Business (EYB) gives growth-oriented SMEs the practical tools for business growth, assisting them through training and non-training interventions with a focus on business strategy to expand their business. The main output from the training programme is a business growth plan, which includes chapters on; Sales and Marketing, Operations Management, Human Resources Management, Financial and Strategic Management, Customer Relationship Management.