The Local Enterprise and Value Chain Enhancement (LEVE) project is a USAID-funded initiative aimed at increasing economic growth and employment opportunities in three development corridors in Haiti: Port-au-Prince, Saint Marc, and Cap-Haïtien. The project focuses on improving the competitiveness of three sectors: construction, apparel and textiles, and agribusiness, to create jobs and build the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
LEVE began activities by conducting in-depth value chain and workforce assessments. These assessments provided a foundation for selecting value chains and identifying lead firms and industry associations. The value chain assessments focused on the construction, apparel and textiles, and agribusiness sectors, with a total of over 160 interviews conducted with public and private sector firms, the Government of Haiti, and international donors.
The workforce development sector assessment covered the demand-side, pairing with the value chain teams, as appropriate, to better understand the requirements from the employers and private sector point of view. Additionally, a survey of the supply-side was conducted with participation by over 30 institutes to understand current best practices, as well as needs and support requirements to better serve graduates so that they meet the needs of employers.
Upon completion of the assessments, LEVE began meeting with stakeholders, including private sector firms, associations, service providers, government entities, and other implementing partners, to continue and solidify the identification of lead entities. LEVE’s approach is to facilitate the activities of lead entities to start and scale-up activities, capturing lessons-learned in the process. The ultimate goal is to improve collaboration, trust, efficiency, productivity, and profits.
To date, LEVE has identified key lead entities in each sector: Construction, Apparel/Textile, and Agribusiness. The project is also well underway in supporting and building the capacity of local entities in the area of organizational development. LEVE has supported its subcontractor, Papyrus s.a., in using the Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) tool, and has provided capacity building services to other local organizations.
In fiscal year 2014, LEVE achieved significant progress, including the securing of two offices, fully equipping and furnishing them, actively recruiting and hiring staff, and conducting a team building workshop. The Technical Teams completed four assessments, built a process of identifying and collaborating with lead entities, and began building relationships with partners, stakeholders, other implementing agencies, and donors. By the end of September 2014, LEVE identified nine associations and ten private firms positioned for receiving LEVE assistance.
LEVE’s review procedures now require the sector Team Leaders to review each proposal with the HICD Expert to ensure the partners’ viability. The project has developed a review process for strategic investment funds (SIF) and has provided capacity building services to local entities. Overall, LEVE is off to a great start, having established a solid knowledge base of the technical and workforce sectors, developed several strategic partnerships, selected potential partners, and identified future activities.