An Open Day of the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund (a subsidiary of Baiterek National Investment Holding) was held in Astana, bringing together entrepreneurs, the Fund’s management, representatives of the Department for Investment and Entrepreneurship Development of the Akimat of Astana, the city’s Department of State Revenues, banks and recommended consulting companies. The event was attended by more than 180 entrepreneurs from Astana.

The main focus of the meeting was the existing government support instruments for business.

“We have been holding Open Days across the country for the second year in a row. For us, this is first and foremost an opportunity to receive direct feedback from entrepreneurs, remain as open as possible, hear their requests and understand the issues that are currently important to business. That is why the management of the Damu Fund takes part directly in such events and personally consults entrepreneurs. This allows us to see where entrepreneurs lack information and promptly address these gaps,” said Farhat Sarsekeyev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Damu Fund.

During the Open Day, entrepreneurs received detailed information on all stages of obtaining support, from submitting an application to subsequent monitoring. Participants were presented with the current financial and non-financial support measures, and the importance of complying with programme requirements was also explained.

Special attention was paid to expanding access to the Fund’s services. Participants were told about the operation of the unified front office and mobile front offices, which enable entrepreneurs, including those from remote villages, to receive free consultations from specialists.

The Fund’s management also reminded entrepreneurs to remain vigilant and avoid unverified intermediaries and consultants so as not to fall victim to fraud. After the general session, participants were able to move on to individual consultations and speak directly with representatives of the relevant development institution, bank or government agency.

For example, the Open Day was attended by the director of the SYMBAT network of dental clinics, Yerzhan Zhanatarov. He is now an established entrepreneur planning to further develop his business ideas.

“In 2015, I took advantage of government support from the Damu Fund and received a loan. It was not easy for a young doctor to start a business in Astana, especially given the high cost of medical equipment. Thanks to government support, we were able to open a clinic and gradually develop it. I now have several ideas, and I want to learn what is currently relevant and which sectors have good prospects,” the entrepreneur said.

Today, the network includes clinics and diagnostic centres in Astana and Aktobe. The companies have created 40 jobs.

According to Shukhrat Zhoraev, a representative of the Department for Investment and Entrepreneurship Development of the Akimat of Astana, this format allows entrepreneurs to receive consultations on several areas in one place within a short period of time and ask questions directly to representatives of relevant organisations.

A separate “consultation desk” was dedicated to taxation issues. Representatives of the Department of State Revenues explained matters related to the activities of legal entities, changes to OKED codes and legal addresses, including in the context of the requirements of individual support programmes.

“There are many entrepreneurs here today, and they have many questions, which is encouraging. We are ready to help, provide guidance and advise entrepreneurs on taxation matters. This format allows us to hear directly about the difficulties businesses face and provide the necessary explanations on the spot,” said Anel Aitpayeva, Chief Specialist of the Astana City Department of State Revenues.

Representatives of consulting companies also highlighted the practical value of such consultations. According to Aigul Mukhanova, Head of ProBank & Consult, entrepreneurs need professional assistance when preparing projects and choosing financing instruments.

“Entrepreneurs know their industries well, but they do not always have in-depth knowledge of financing. Consulting companies help structure projects properly, assess their potential and prepare them for consideration by a bank. That is why it is important for entrepreneurs to work with trusted and professional market participants. Our company is included in the list of consulting companies recommended by the Damu Fund. Before being included in this list, we underwent a rigorous review in all areas and demonstrated our professional competence,” said Aigul Mukhanova.

The Open Day enabled entrepreneurs to receive tailored consultations and discuss specific business projects with representatives of organisations involved in the government business support system. This format helps entrepreneurs not only learn about the available instruments, but also determine which mechanism is best suited to implementing a particular project.

Open Days of the Damu Fund are also held across all regions of the country. In addition, mobile front offices operate for entrepreneurs from remote settlements, with specialists providing on-site consultations directly in the communities.

Information on upcoming Open Days and the schedule of mobile front offices is published on the official Damu Fund website and on social media. Consultations are also available through the Unified Contact Centre at 1408.