Business Support Services

PRASOL’s business support services entails both Business Development Services (BDS) and Business Processes Support Services (BPSS). These services are designed to meet the evolving needs of MSMEs and large businesses in Eastern & Horn of Africa. These services are grounded in globally recognized principles — including the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s BDS Guidelines — and tailored to the regional contexts.

Specifically, our offering includes:

Customized business diagnostics and capacity building to address performance gaps;
Strategic business planning and investor readiness support to enable scale and sustainability;
Business processes improvement advisory including: HR, finance, procurement, IT, and governance systems;
Market systems development (MSD) and linkages for better value chain integration;
Access to finance facilitation including investment packaging and pitch coaching;
Digital transformation guidance to adopt smart tools and platforms;
Inclusive and sustainable business model integration, including ESG, SDGs, and gender mainstreaming.

Scope of services

a) Business Diagnostics and Needs Assessments

Aim: Foundational service helps enterprises identify operational bottlenecks, strategic gaps, and growth opportunities.
Applications:
Comprehensive organizational and operational health checks.
SWOT and PESTEL analysis to understand internal capacity and external environment.
Rapid assessments for MSMEs and in-depth institutional reviews for larger businesses.
Generation of customized enterprise development action plans.

b) Strategic Business Planning

Aim: PRASOL facilitates the development of practical, growth-oriented strategic and business plans aligned to market realities and inclusive development goals.
Applications:
Strategic plan development aligned with organizational vision, sector trends, and market shifts.
Preparation or revision of business plans to improve operational focus and access to finance.
Inclusive Business Plans (IBPs) that integrate community, environmental, and gender dimensions.
Support in performance management frameworks and plan execution roadmaps.

c) Market Systems Analysis and Linkages

Aim:Using a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, PRASOL supports businesses to better understand their value chains and identify leverage points for market access and competitiveness.
Applications:
Mapping of value chains, supply and demand trends, and key actors.
Identification of market entry and expansion opportunities.
Support for B2B matchmaking, buyer engagement, and trade fair participation.
Strengthening of branding, packaging, and customer segmentation strategies.

d) Investor Readiness and Access to Finance Support

Aim:Many enterprises are unable to attract financing due to poor documentation and low investment readiness. PRASOL addresses this gap through:
Applications:
Development of investor-ready business models and financial projections.
Guidance on pitch deck creation, storytelling, and impact communication.
Coaching on investor engagement, deal structuring, and negotiations.
Linkages to banks, venture capital, private equity, and blended finance facilities.

e) Business Processes Re-engineering (HR, Finance, IT, Governance)

Aim:Enterprises must operate with streamlined, accountable systems to sustain growth. PRASOL works with clients to restructure and formalize core processes.
Applications:
Review and redesign of HR, finance, procurement, and governance systems.
Development or update of operational manuals and SOPs (standard operating procedures).
Change management support and internal capacity building for process adoption.
Institutionalization of internal controls and compliance frameworks.

f) Digital Transformation and Automation Support

Aim:To thrive in the digital economy, businesses must leverage technology to improve efficiency and access. PRASOL supports enterprises in their digital journey through:
Applications:
Digital maturity assessments and digital roadmap development.
Selection and integration of software tools (e.g., accounting, CRM, ERP, e-commerce).
Digital marketing strategy development and social media engagement support.
Training on data use for business intelligence and decision-making.

g) ESG, Sustainability, and Gender Mainstreaming

Aim:PRASOL helps businesses align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, ensuring they are inclusive, responsible, and future-ready.
Applications:
ESG diagnostics and integration into business strategy.
Support for green business models and circular economy practices.
Gender audits and development of gender-responsive workplace policies.
Alignment of business strategies with relevant SDGs and sustainability metrics.

h) Monitoring and Reporting Systems for Growth Tracking

Aim:Monitoring and evaluation are essential for learning and accountability. PRASOL supports the setup of simple, user-friendly systems for continuous performance tracking.
Applications:
Design of KPIs and enterprise-level performance measurement frameworks.
Development of digital dashboards and automated reporting tools.
Coaching on data collection, analysis, and interpretation for decision-making.
Integration of monitoring into strategic planning and investor reporting.

Target clients

Business diagnostics and tailored growth strategies.
Training and mentorship in financial management, marketing, and digital tools.
Business formalization and compliance readiness.
Investor pitch preparation and market linkages.

Designing inclusive sourcing models and supplier development programs.
Supporting enterprise-driven cluster development.
Facilitating ESG integration across the value chain.
Providing advisory support on operational efficiency and digital optimization.

Institutional strengthening and leadership development.
Member needs assessments and training program design.
Digital transformation support for association operations.
Policy research and advocacy support aligned to MSME interests.

Provide pre- and post-investment support to portfolio enterprises.
Conduct investment readiness assessments and pipeline strengthening.
Design and manage Technical Assistance Facilities (TAFs).
Monitor impact metrics and ESG compliance among investees.

PRASOL collaborates with government institutions to:

Design and implement county-level enterprise support programs.
Train county officers and extension agents in enterprise development facilitation.
Develop enterprise databases, M&E systems, and policy toolkits.
Facilitate public-private dialogues and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Be a part of our journey

In an increasingly complex and competitive economic environment, enterprises in Eastern and Horn of Africa regions — whether micro, small, medium, or large — must build the internal strength, strategic clarity, and operational systems needed to thrive. PRASOL’s Business Support Services respond to this urgent need by offering practical, tailored, and scalable solutions that strengthen institutions, unlock investment, and catalyze inclusive growth.

With nearly two decades of experience in institutional development, enterprise support, and ecosystem facilitation, PRASOL is uniquely positioned to work alongside businesses, financial actors, government agencies, and development partners to transform how enterprises operate, grow, and create impact.

Our approach is grounded in collaboration, fueled by innovation, and guided by results. We do not offer generic advice — we walk the journey with our clients, from diagnosis to transformation, from idea to execution.

We welcome the opportunity to engage with you — as a client, partner, funder, or co-creator — to build resilient, competitive, and future-ready enterprises across East Africa.

To get more information or request for our Strategic planning management services please contact:

Phone: +254 726 528 460 / +254 718 669 652

Email: admin@prasolconsult.org