Econews issue 22 Juillet 2013 | Page 13

Numéro 22 | PAGE 13

ECO NEWS

| in english

The South Business Innovation Centre, SouthBIC

Introduction

The South Business Innovation Centre( South BIC) is the first sustainable stand alone business development centre in South Lebanon, and one of only three such centers operating currently in Lebanon. Using local and international expertise, South BIC is geared towards assisting entrepreneurs and businesses in the South achieve their goals and improve their competitiveness through enhanced innovation within existing business practice.

South BIC provides intensive incubation services to both start-ups and existing Small and Medium Enterprises( SMEs), in addition to exhibition facilities through its newly established Business Exhibitions Centre( BEC). Incubation services include hosting the company within South BIC premises, support services, as well as a wide range of facilities available at South BIC. Moreover, South BIC extends remote incubation services to companies that are not able to reside within the South BIC premises, which will allow them to get intensive follow up and support from South BIC’ s wide array of services and benefit from South BIC’ s facilities as well. Through both mechanisms, South BIC avails a host of services that will help improve the competitiveness of enterprises.

South BIC is located in Saida, at the Chamber of Commerce Building, with two outreach locations in Nabatiyeh and Tyre. The main location in Saida boasts an industrial incubation facility designed for companies engaged in industrial activities, and a concept desk space designed for entre- preneurship and start-ups as well as established businesses, in addition to a conference and exhibition centre. The Nabatiyeh branch will be operational as of 1st of July and the Tyre branch at the beginning of next year 2013.

South BIC was established by the commitment of its members and through the generous funding of the EU delegation in Lebanon via the Integrated SME Support Programme managed by the Ministry

of Economy and Trade. The Boardof Directors is made up of three important economic and social groupings in the south. These are:

• The Chamber of Commerce of South Lebanon( CCIAS)

• The Municipality of Saida

• The Hariri Foundation

South BIC benefits from the wide synergies made available and accessible through its founding partners. South BIC’ s greatest asset to enterprises is its competent, energetic and entrepreneurial team that is capable of guiding its tenants and clients, mentoring them through a wide array of services and cluster building initiatives, and helping them become more competitive and efficient along the way. The staff brings a wealth of experience and advice in various operational and planning areas that can substantially help improve enterprise performance.

South BIC extends remote incubation services to companies that are not able to reside within the South BIC premises

Mission

South BIC’ s mission is to boost the creation, development, and support of innovative Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises( MSME) which are the economic engine of competitive free markets.

South BIC aims to provide professional, coherent and comprehensive incubation and counseling services to manufacturing & service enterprises from various

sectors. Our services deliver substantial added value to engaged enterprises, and by extension to the local economy as well. The main goals of South BIC is to help companies create more wealth and employment through helping these companies and potential entrepreneurs to create innovative, growthoriented and marketoriented business ideas.

South BIC caters to qualified existing and start-up businesses through interventions designed to minimize risk through offering and delivering a wide array of technical, managerial, and logistical resources.

Incubator Facility

The business incubator facility enables the formation of new companies, and provides a vast array of resources and technologies to existing companies as well. This facility is designed for use by entrepreneurs, start-up companies, existing micro, small and mid-sized companies, as well as retail establishments who are assisted from concept creation to commercialization.

The incubator facility at South BIC for resident clients offers:

Receptionist services(“ meet and greet”, light copying)

• Auditorium

• Business Exhibitions Center

• Parking for Clients and their Guests

• Use of Conference Room for meetings / presentations

• Use of shared office equipment( TV / VCR, LCD projector)

• Use of kitchen and lunch area( with microwave and refrigerator)

• Company name listing on SBIB“ Links” Section

• Industrial tenants area

• Multi-purpose hall

• Office cleaning and building security

Additional information: For pricing information and other inquiries, please call information desk on + 961 7 725 948 or email info @ southbic. org