Cottage Industries-SEnPA explains registration procedures |09 May 2005

The office is run by Mr Juan Payet, the senior project officer and assistant, Miss Cindy Andre.
Mr Payet told the press that the processing of applications was going on very smoothly and that they have received calls from entrepreneurs seeking information from as far as La Digue. Last Thursday alone the office received six applicants.

Mr Payet said they are getting applicants from all ages, from school leavers to senior citizens.

Cottage industry promoters will not need a licence to start their business, but once they are registered, they will receive a certificate of approval. Registration is done free of charge.

For entrepreneurs on Praslin and La Digue interested in starting a cottage business they can register at SEnPA's office in Horizon building at Baie Ste Anne.

Mr Payet explained that the procedures were very simple and if promoters’ requests comply with the criteria set for cottage industries, applications could be processed very fast. He said it could take them between three to seven days to process an application and issue a certificate.

Once a person comes to register, he is advised about the types of activities allowed for cottage industries and has to fill in a form specifying the type of business he would like to start.

With the exception of embroidery, book-keeping services and engraving, which require site visits by SEnPA alone, premises to run other types of businesses will have to be inspected by other departments involved in the setting up of cottage industries, namely environment, health, planning, fire and bureau of standards.

A certificate of approval is issued only after those agencies have visited and given the green light for the business to start. They normally undertake site visits every Thursday, whereas SEnPA can do so on any working day on Mahe and Praslin. SEnPA undertakes site visits on La Digue every Friday.

Mr Payet said though small businesses can have access to foreign exchange, they are encouraging people to take on light cottage activities that do not require too many expenses in foreign currency and for which raw materials are readily available in the environment.

SEnPA has made a list of 30 activities which can be carried out at homes, but Mr Payet said entrepreneurs can bring other innovative ideas, as long as they are not harmful to the environment.

Glassblowing is one activity, which he said, can be introduced if there is interest.

Speaking to the press after he has registered, Mr Antoine Valentin who lives at the Roche Caiman housing estate, said after 10 years of looking for an appropriate place, he can now open his small bakery at his house, where he has carried out certain modifications, after having been given permission by planning.

He said everything was in the process of being formalised and he has already put up the signboard indicating the location of his business and ready to distribute his cards. He is even thinking about expansion.

"It's a good project. With rents being very high in commercial areas and with limited space for businesses available, it's good to know that you can now work and earn from home," he said.

Mr Valentin makes various flour-based snacks such as small pizzas, quiches and patés, ideal for parties.