UK-Russia Closed Nuclear Cities Partnership

Seversk Business Development Agency

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Title

Seversk Business Development Agency (Seversk BDA)

Objectives

Create the conditions that will allow personnel currently facing redundancy in Seversk to seek new opportunities and find alternative jobs
Stimulate entrepreneurship and new business formation
Support the commercialization of new research and development projects
Assist in creating job opportunities in a civil sectors of the economy
Provide business support and development services
Provide services that support development of the innovative potential of the closed city of Seversk
Attract additional investment to the closed city of Seversk
Increase the tax base of the local economy by creating new businesses and assisting existing businesses to expand

Summary

In 2003, as a result of cooperation between the Closed Nuclear Cities Partnership Programme (CNCP), the Siberian Chemical Kombinat (SCK) and the Closed City Administration of Seversk, an agreement was reached to conduct a business feasibility study to determine the market need and develop a business plan for establishment of a Business Development Agency (BDA) in the Closed City of Seversk. The study identified appropriate services to be provided by a BDA in Seversk, given existing budgetary resources, and identify the best structure for such an agency. The goal of the BDA is to promote a favourable climate for entrepreneurial activities and stimulate the formation and growth of new businesses and assist them to build up sales outside the closed cities and create civilian jobs, particularly for former nuclear weapons scientists, engineers and technicians from SCK.

The CNCP Steering Group approved the Seversk BDA and project partners are in the process of establishing an independent, not-for-profit partner organization that will render business development related services. The formal name of the organization will be the "Nonprofit Partnership Seversk Business Development Agency." The Seversk BDA's office will be centrally located in the Tsentralnaya Hotel in space leased from the Seversk City Administration. The services to be offered by the BDA are in accordance with the results of the initial market research that assessed the needs of the community. During the first year of operation, most services will be provided free of charge. With time, the BDA will develop a fee structure as its customer base is developed.

The Seversk BDA's Business Plan calls for an initial three year operating cycle and the funding has been approved for this period.