THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) on Wednesday launched a five-year Strategic Development Plan, which will serve as a guide for further expansion and diversification of the Region 10 lending agency.

At a simple launching ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of LEN Tanniza Gasper, noted that the entity’s clientele has increased by 50% and the aim is to push this even further. LEN is also aiming to acquire financial self- sufficiency rather than being totally dependable on subventions from central government. “LEN is looking to have national penetration where it will be able to reach to that point of excellence where we will be able to pioneer technology, food security, develop industry standards in the various areas and to be that leader where [we] will be able to replicate ourselves in other communities,” Gasper noted.
The agency is looking to set up branches in other regions to provide expertise that is available in the various diversification sectors in Region 10, such as food security, distribution, incubation and business acceleration. “ LEN will be taking the lead and develop the industry standards and develop that kind of information, that is where they can provide leadership to the rest of the country and give advice and the brand will be known around the region.”

This Gasper said will encourage investors to come to Linden, as well to set up shop so as to benefit from LEN’s expertise in the various sectors. LEN initially started off with providing low- interest loans, but now the entity is providing services in agriculture, construction, tourism and manufacturing. The strategic development plan will be supported by five pillars: access, development, transformation, commitment and excellence. LEN’s strategic development coach Princess Alexander explained that the first pillar, access, means that vulnerable communities can have access to funding. Development means that LEN is seeking entrepreneurial development, while transformation means that domino effect from the creation of businesses. LEN will be committed to business development and transparent financial practices, while excellence means that LEN will be doing big things through inclusion with other stakeholders.

Implementation of several aspects of the plan has already commenced and has already seen the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Hector Butts, commend LEN for initiating the Strategic Development Plan, positing that it is captioned in a broad way and is most impressed by the mission and direction it is taking. He urged residents to remember that strategic plans change with time and the political, social and economic climate.

On Wednesday, LEN also unveiled its mission statement which will give clients and residents as a whole, an idea of what the company is about. The mission states: To provide critical financial, business, physical, advisory and other relevant services for the overall development of Linden and Region 10. LEN will also commence a more aggressive sensitisation campaign to get residents involved in this massive growth and transformation process.