SERVICE AREAS Enterprise Development Accounting Reform Franchising Strategies Financial Services Local Economic Development Management Training Development Strategies

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Reconstruction Finance Facility
Bosnia

Sibley supported the revitalization of the Bosnian banking system and the private sector in this USAID SME financing initiative. Implemented with the Barents Group, this project strengthened local bank loan origination, credit analysis, and loan administration skills with the goal of improving SME access to credit in Bosnia. The large number of borrowers and difficult economic climate required creative approaches to managing arrears. The project incorporated unique environmental impact assessments to the loan appraisal process.

To date, the project has managed over 250 basic environmental audits for SMEs in sectors from forestry/wood products to metal fabrication and plastics. The project also provided training for all stakeholders, including those in the financial sector, government officials, and enterprise owners and managers. A monitoring process was developed and implemented to track the environmental and economic impact.

Malaysia Financial Sector Review for SME and Franchising Development
Malaysia

On behalf of the Malaysian Government, Sibley International reviewed the feasibility and operational design of a $100 million program to finance SME and franchise systems development through eight local banks. Project entailed a survey of intermediate banks operations and a competitive review of program underwriting requirements and lending terms. The Sibley team also profiled SME financing requirements and surveyed business association and other stakeholder perceptions regarding fund portfolio strategy and past fund performance. Project recommendations resulted in a series of program revisions and upgrades to enhance accessibility and respond to SME borrowing demand.

In the second phase, Sibley implemented key components of the above program for a diversified corporate client. The team designed and implemented a multi-disciplinary training program for senior managers and analysts in franchise acquisition and build-out strategies, operational and training systems, and financing strategies.

Technical Assistance to the Black Integrated Commercial Support Network in Republic of South Africa
South Africa

As part of a program to assist the formerly disadvantaged population and provide equity and quasi-equity funding to small and medium size franchise business, Sibley International assisted the International Finance Corporation to establish a $30 million Franchise Equity Fund (FFSA). This was started in partnership with NedBank, the second largest bank in South Africa. The Commonwealth Development Corporation, the Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden, and the Independent Development Trust and the Development Bank of South Africa have also invested in FFSA. Sibley also assisted over 100 business owners to identify fixed asset and working capital financing for new start ups and expansions.

USAID Loan Guarantee Fund
U.S.A.

Sibley International devised and structured a $30 million franchise loan guarantee fund for USAID. The fund was established to facilitate financing US franchises for export to the developing world and is currently used throughout the developing world. Through a contract with Ernst & Young and USAID, Sibley International developed and analyzed various configurations of a franchise facility for the purpose of an initial pilot project and a long-term facility. The result was a pilot program, designed and structured by Sibley that created a franchise loan guarantee fund for USAID. The fund established a mechanism for financing the purchase of US franchises by individuals and companies within USAID assisted countries. Specifically, the program provided direct loans and loan guarantees to International Master Licensors and franchisees to purchase US franchises. In addition, the program provided grants to US franchisors for training and support services to IMLs and franchisees.

Grants Management (under GESP)
Georgia

Several groups received Sibley-managed grants under the GESP project. A small grant was provided to the Bankers Training Group to support its merging with the Capital Market Training Group to form the Financial Services Training Center (FSTC) to provide training courses. A bridging grant was issued to the Georgian Securities Commission to assist the delivery of a course on corporate governance. The American Chamber of Commerce was also awarded a small grant to continue development of an online version of the Georgian Yellow Pages that had been initiated under USAID’s earlier privatization project. This granting mechanism was authorized to assist the Georgian Stock Exchange and Georgian Securities Central Depository with some of its costs. These two entities also received Project assistance in the development of their strategic plans.

Franchise Finance
Russia

Sibley, in collaboration with NatWest Bank, designed and implemented a training program for bankers in Russia. The goal of the program was to assist Russian banks in better understanding financing options for small businesses, in particular financing for franchises. Bankers learned how to develop a department and product specifically to be able offer finance to franchise operators.