The Pearl2 Project
The Private Enterprise Accelerated Resource Linkages Project Phase 2 (Pearl2) was a Private Sector Development project of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).  The Pearl2 Project worked directly with Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and Investment Promotion Centers (IPCs) to support the development of Small and Medium Enterprises that create meaningful jobs for both men and women.  The Project’s goal was to contribute to reduction of poverty in the Philippines through equitable and sustainable development.

The PEARL2 Project was implemented by CIDA through a Canadian Executing Agency (CEA).  The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) was the first CEA of PEARL2.  However, with the withdrawal of BCIT in January 2006, CIDA commissioned the Agriteam Canada in February 2006 as the new CEA.   The Project operated for six years (2002-2008).   

The Pearl2 Project corresponded directly with the National SME Development Plan, complemented SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) initiative promoted by DTI/Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corp. (SBGFC), supported enterprise development initiatives, created an enabling environment for employment generation, and contributed to increasing trade and investment flows both domestically and internationally.
 
Pearl2 had three main components: Sectoral Enhancement (SE), Partnership Development Facility (PDF) and Capacity Development of Investment Promotion (CDIP).

  • SE focused on providing support to 6 of the 10 “revenue streams” in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Strategy (furniture, food processing, wearables, natural and organic products, gifts and housewares, and information technology).  The support included training, market and export enhancement, policy studies and advocacy.
  • CDIP focused on strengthening the capability of Investment Promotion Centers (IPCs) to promote investment and facilitate strategic linkages between the Philippine SMEs and firms/ groups outside the Philippines.
  • PDF was a responsive funding mechanism designed to contribute to projects of eligible BSOs in their efforts to promote SME development and job creation.
Dissemination and Sustainability ensured that project results were institutionalized and sustained beyond the life of the Project.