St. Petersburg Foundation for SME Development

On 18,19 and 22 of November 2010 the group of 20 entrepeneurs were trained how to accelerate their business using information and communication technologies. The first training was performed in the framework of worldwide HP LIFE program during the 2010 Global Entrepreneurship Week.

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program for training students, aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to harness the power of IT to establish and grow their business. HP LIFE combines face-to-face training and online tools to address the educational needs of students, regardless of their backgrounds, locations or circumstances.

HP LIFE training in St. Petersburg was performed in the framework of the state SME support program “Introduction of information-communication technologies for small and medium sized SMEs (ICT for SMEs)”. The program is financed by the Government of St. Petersburg and executed by St. Petersburg Foundation for SME Development.

The group of 20 entrepreneurs were trained during 3 days how to improve their business using ICT including the following topics: promotion materials, business finance, presentation skills and materials, in internet and modern communication technologies. According to the participants - the training had destroyed the “ice” between them and a PC and significantly improved their abilities. The next training will take place on 25,26 and 29 of November 2010.

Also each year St. Petersburg Foundation is running more than 15 seminars for start-ups in business. During the seminars the future entrepreneurs are trained how to start an own company, develop business plan, company finance, taxation as well as ICT in business. HP LIFE is the integral part of such trainings.

Contacts and additonal information:

	HP LIFE http://www.life-europe.info
	Speial SME support program “Introduction of information-communication technologies for small and medium sized SMEs (ICT for SMEs)” http://www.e-skills.spb.ru
	St. Petersburg Foundation for SME Development http://www.fbd.spb.ru