Shoes Manufacturing Sector in Jerusalem
Where it stands and where it is heading?


Background

                      Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce and Industry works very closely with local business community operating in Jerusalem district in order to support their development. In this regard, the Chamber conducted series of workshops with business owners operating in the shoes sector last November, 2005. The participants of these special meetings addressed various challenges and barriers that confront their growth. The results of these workshops indicated that the Shoes factories do need technical assistant to improve their business performance. For the sake of overcoming the prevailing challenges, Jerusalem Chamber asked the Small Enterprise Center – Palestine to help its members through providing them consulting, training and information services based on their individual / group needs.


                      The Center in cooperation with the Chamber coordinated field visits to 8 shoes factories owners at their premises last December, 2005. The main aim for these visits was to identify their specific individual needs to provide appropriate respond. Below are main findings of the analysis.


- 61 % of shoes factories produce shoes, 28% produce slippers, and 11% Soles for local market. 


- The table below shows that in year 2005 with respect to base year 2004, 50% of the companies maintained their employees, 37.5% fired up to 5 employees and 12.5% closed down their business.

- The following are main weaknesses, and threats that confront their business development as perceived by entrepreneurs:

Weaknesses

- Financial problems
- Out-dated machines
- Limited working space.

Threats

- Flow of cheap imported goods
- Unstable political and economical situation
- Create awareness on Business Development Services and their impact and value added.

What has been agreed ?

After their specific individual needs identified, it was agreed that the Small Enterprise Center should provide and facilitate the following services:

Training

Organize training courses in marketing, management, and export procedures.

Consulting

Provide individual and group coaching.

Information:

Provide information on products, national and international exhibitions, local agencies that support business promotion and provide credit.

Toolkit:

The Center has developed certain analytical tools to help entrepreneurs conduct self analysis for their business. These tools are available at the Center.


Small Enterprise Center- Palestine

 


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