FAQ
What is ISED?
The Institute of Small Enterprises and Development (ISED) is a Center for advanced learning and practice in development, and enterprise development, with thrust on SMEs. The Institute is, at a time, a think tank and a practitioner.


What is ISED’s mission?
The Institute’s mission is to advance the theory and practice of development, and especially of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), among enterprises, policy makers, international partners, media, and other practitioners.


Where is ISED located?
The Institute is located at Vennala, Cochin, Kerala. It is easily accessible by public transport.(click here for road map)


How is ISED funded?
ISED is an autonomous Institute under the TCLSCS Act -1955. Besides having a modest corpus, the Institute supports itself on various types of assignments, programs and consultancies. It utilises a significant part of its resources on development of innovative programmes. The Institute is registered under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (1986) and is eligible to accept foreign contributions. It is also tax-exempted under Sec.12-A of the Income Tax Act.


What supportive services do ISED provide?
Institution Development
Research and evaluation services
Information services
Advocacy
Consultancy Services

How does ISED benefit an entrepreneur?
ISED helps a small entrepreneur with:
the outcomes of changing policies.
Predictions on the shape of things to come

suggestions on what to do

Extension of business development services, such as, information training, hand-holding representation etc.


Does it offer finance for entrepreneurs?
No. We provide only technical assistance to the entrepreneurs and organizations through our supportive services.

Where can I get more information?
You can contact the ISED office at Cochin
Phone: 0484-2808171 / 2809884 /2808727
Email: info@isedonline.org, or ised@md2.vsnl.net.in
Post:
ISED House, ISED Road
Cochin-682028,
India

For an unemployed person planning to set up a small business, how can ISED help?
It can provide
(i) business opportunities guidance;
(ii) undertake feasibility studies;
(iii) offer training opportunities
(iv) help in preparing a project report;
(v) market studies;
(vi) assistance in registration of the unit.


Does ISED offer any course?
No regular courses are offered as on today. But there are occasional courses and training programmes. See “Careers in ISED”


What is the fee structure?
Fee structure for the courses and training programmes are posted on the website from time to time.


Can ISED provide financing for business / project?
NO. ISED is not a financing institution. However, ISED assists SMEs meet funding requirements through Banks/DFIs.


What services are offered by ISED Helpdesk?
ISED offers the following services for Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs):
1. Business opportunities guidance
2. Project Identification
3. Business Plan / Project Report
4. Technical Advice
5. Marketing Assistance
6. Training & opportunities for new entrepreneurs
7. Information Services (Library, Databases, Project briefs, Pre-feasibilities)


Do I have to pay for the services of ISED?
ISED believes in giving its best to the community. We also believe that ‘things given for free are underutilized’. Hence, a nominal fee is charged for some of our services – However, many such services are subsidized or free.


What is the procedure for getting services from ISED?
SMEs looking for business-related information or advice are required to contact ISED Helpdesk and fill in a brief form explaining their need and giving us their contact information. After registration, an ISED ID will be provided to the SME. The ID will help us in tracking your information.


What we provide in a Business Plan?
A standard business plan provides information and recommendations on key business areas including market size and growth projections, most suitable management structure, technology and machinery selection, comprehensive financial analysis with projections and business strategic options. However, please remember that your business plan is exclusively yours and will be custom prepared to meet your objectives.


How can you avail this facility?
ISED provides business plan development services at highly subsidized rates for SMEs. If you are an SME entrepreneur with a new business idea or you are planning to expand your existing business, you simply have to fill up a Project Brief Form available at ISED.


How much ISED charges for a Business Plan?
The costs may vary depending on scope of work and size of investment


Do I have to take an appointment before coming to ISED office?
Yes. It helps you save your time and energy and helps us serve you better.


What modes can be used to approach ISED helpdesk?
You can walk in on an appointment or direct all quires to us by letter, fax, phone, or email. You can also visit our Website www.isedonline.org, for such details.


How does ISED help NGOs and Community Based Organisations?
ISED offers its services in institution development, fund-raising, international technical assistance, general and tailored training for staff, and development of productivity enhancement strategies.

What are the job opportunities at ISED?
Opportunities are pointed on this website from time to time. Or else, you can make an email enquiry addressed to the Director.

Does ISED offer Internship opportunities?
Yes. Applications for Internship are accepted throughout the year. However, selections taken place on a quarterly basis.