The World Bank (InfoDev Program) (2006-2007)

The World Bank (through the InfoDev Program) provided Kenan Foundation Asia with US $200,000 in grant funding to build on its previous business incubation experience in Thailand by raising interest in and designing business incubators for Lao PDR and Cambodia.

A model business incubator was set up at Surat Thani Vocational College in the south of Thailand. Kenan also worked with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Siem Reap Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia to develop small business incubators. Training was conducted for both organizations and Kenan consultants assisted the chambers in completing business plans for incubator operations. Kenan provided two years of follow up advisory services at the two locations and assisted them in identifying sources of financial support to implement the incubators. The project was highly successful in strengthening local institutional capacities to engage and support the business community.