Project Outputs In Entrepreneurship Projects : A Case Study Of Competency-Based Economies Through The Formation Of Enterprises (Cefe) In Rwanda

Abstract

CEFE Rwanda which stands for the ―Competency-based Economies through the formation of Enterprises‖ has embarked to stimulate innovation among SMEs with a comprehensive set of training instruments based on action-oriented approach and subsequent gaining of experience to develop and enhance the business management and personal entrepreneurial competence of a wide range of target groups. The study aimed at investigating the innovative activities undertaken during planning and implementation of CEFE trainings and examined the extent to which these influenced the outputs observed through trained trainers and SMEs. The research used both qualitative and quantitative methodology to measure the influence of CEFE among Rwandan SMEs. The data was collected through questionnaires administered to 57 respondents including 3 members of management team, 6 certified trainers and 48 trainees from SMEs. Completed questionnaires were received from all respondents. The data was further analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS, version 17. The findings revealed that CEFE is really innovative and this has positively influenced Rwandan SMEs whose entrepreneurial skills and businesses performance has increased and created new jobs. The activities undertaken by CEFE Rwanda have shown how innovation can bridge the gap observed among SMEs in Rwanda. The findings led to useful recommendations for all CEFE stakeholders. CEFE Rwanda was recommended to create more opportunities to increase the number of certified trainers to attend to more SMEs within the country. Likewise, follow up and further trainings after the CEFE trainings in order to develop the capacity for providing further advice on business start up to potential entrepreneurs.