Business Edge™ Frequently Asked Questions

Why did IFC develop Business Edge™?
Business Edge™ was developed by IFC in Vietnam, where business owners and managers seeking to modernize and improve their performance needed a world-class and practical training package, but none was available. The content was designed to accommodate the learning styles of busy entrepreneurs by using both interactive training methods and relevant case studies.

How do I select the right course for my staff or SME clients?
The best way to identify the appropriate course is to take a Training needs Assessment (TNA) during regular staff or business performance appraisals or hire a Business Edge™ trainer to undertake a detailed training needs assessment. We attach here a simple check-list that can guide you in picking courses for your staff.

Where can I access Business Edge™ Training?
Business Edge™ can be accessed through a local accredited training provider that delivers the training in your language in your country or sub-region. Click apply for training for a list of accredited training providers that offer training in your region.

I am a busy SME owner. I’ve taken a number of management training courses and was disappointed. Why would Business Edge™ be any different?

1. Business Edge™ improves Management Performance: By providing you with the tools and skills to be a more effective manager, your business can expand successfully and your profits can increase.
2. Business Edge™ is Practical: Trainers and participants share real life experiences and advice that is directly applicable to your business situation. At the end of the workshop, you are expected to identify the priorities areas for improvement and an action plan for resolving these issues. Trainers also provide you with instructions and guidelines on how to put lessons learned during the training to practical use.
3. Business Edge™ is personalized: By fitting around your busy, professional schedule, you can learn at your own pace, when and where it suits you.
4. Business Edge™ is Multilevel: You can take a one-day or an in-depth series of courses tailored to your needs, budget and time.
5. Business Edge™ assures International Quality: By selecting international materials from the global market and time-tested training techniques, we make sure our trainers receive the support and materials to deliver the best training.
6. Business Edge™ is Localized: Manuals, exercises and case studies are localized to reflect your business environment and culture.
7. Business Edge™ is Consistent: The Business Edge ™ training techniques and course structure are standardized yet adapt flexibly to the client’s education standards and responsibilities within the business.
8. Business Edge™ is Value for Money: Business Edge™ delivers relevant, practical content and training input at affordable prices and local market rates.

Do SMEs have to take all Business Edge™ courses?
No, you do not have to take all listed courses. Our certified training firms are not driven to sell as many courses as possible. Rather, they tailor a solution for your business that may involve one course, or a combination of several topics.

What type of ongoing support does IFC provide for training firms?
IFC promotes Business Edge™ through local media, SME events and direct pitches to clients to generate business for accredited training providers. IFC also periodically updates the courses and provides continuous professional development courses such as Selling Business Edge™; Customization; and Organizing Successful Training Events.

I am a training firm with a variety of options for delivery of my services. What will Business Edge do for me?
Business Edge is a unique brand of training solutions. It is:

• Comprehensive with subject matter that appeals to local SMEs
• A key part of IFC’s strategy for SME development in Africa
• Flexible and modular, mixing and matching to create the right products.
• Pre-formatted for easy localization for your market
• Accompanied by a full set of support services and tools for implementation
• Already successful in several countries around the world

Most importantly, Business Edge can help raise the profile of your training business.

Does IFC set training fees?
IFC does not set training fees, but does encourage accredited training providers to price their services affordably. Training costs are mainly driven by the scope of the assignment, prevailing market rates, and venue costs.

Does IFC subsidize the cost of training?
IFC believes that training has a value to businesses and that beneficiaries should pay for the service. IFC’s contribution includes developing the content and trainers as well as promoting the products.

Does IFC guarantee finance or contracts for attending a Business Edge™ course?
IFC does not guarantee finance or contracts for participants.