Introduction
In a groundbreaking move to support women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has launched an online training platform tailored specifically for female business owners. With this e-training programme, women entrepreneurs can now access financial literacy and entrepreneurship development resources at their own pace, providing practical knowledge designed to elevate their businesses.
Curated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh Bank, this initiative brings together the expertise of financial leaders to foster empowerment for women entrepreneurs. The training programme, named the Supporting Post Covid-19 Small Scale Employment Creation Project (SPCSSECP), not only provides a boost in business acumen but also contributes to small-scale employment creation across the nation.
Let’s break down what this platform offers and how it aims to transform the landscape for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
Why an Online Training Platform for Women Entrepreneurs?
Women-owned businesses in Bangladesh often face hurdles like limited access to financial resources, inadequate business knowledge, and limited networking opportunities. These barriers are exacerbated by the traditional, male-dominated business environment.
Eastern Bank PLC recognises these challenges and, with ADB and Bangladesh Bank, has crafted an online programme that women can access on their own schedules, regardless of location. This flexibility is crucial for women who juggle multiple responsibilities alongside their business pursuits. With this e-training, women entrepreneurs can:
- Enhance their financial literacy skills to make informed business decisions.
- Gain certifications that reflect their knowledge and commitment.
- Access practical assessments to apply skills in real-world business scenarios.
Highlights of the E-Training Platform
The programme’s key features offer a robust educational experience. Here’s what women entrepreneurs can expect:
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Self-Paced Learning Modules: Each module is designed for ease of access, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. The modules cover business management, financial literacy, and essential entrepreneurship skills.
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Interactive Assessments and Certification: The platform includes assessments that reinforce understanding and offer certifications upon completion, giving entrepreneurs a valuable edge in credibility.
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Real-World Application: Women entrepreneurs can directly apply these learnings to their businesses, from financial planning to business strategy and customer engagement.
This initiative is part of Eastern Bank’s commitment to empowering women in the workforce by equipping them with tools and resources that lead to sustainable business growth.
Words from Key Stakeholders
The launch event in Dhaka was an inspiring affair, gathering representatives from the Bangladesh Bank, ADB, and Eastern Bank PLC, as well as several women entrepreneurs who are potential beneficiaries of the platform.
Md Mazibur Rahman, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bank and Project Director for SPCSSECP, shared his thoughts on the platform’s impact:
“Through interactive modules, participants will gain essential skills in business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. This programme is a crucial step in uplifting women entrepreneurs across Bangladesh.”
Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and CEO of Eastern Bank PLC, echoed the sentiment:
“This online training module will not only allow women entrepreneurs to learn at their own pace but also enhance their acumen to make prudent business decisions.”
These statements reflect the enthusiasm and commitment of both Bangladesh Bank and Eastern Bank to invest in Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How the Training Supports Women in Business
The platform focuses on financial literacy and business management, empowering women to build and grow their enterprises effectively. Women who participate will be able to:
- Develop a solid foundation in budgeting and financial planning.
- Build skills in business management, including hiring, marketing, and operations.
- Understand risk management and strategic decision-making.
In the long run, these skills equip women entrepreneurs to compete in the market and create job opportunities, fostering an ecosystem of small-scale employment creation across the country.
How Does This Platform Stand Out?
One of the most valuable aspects of this programme is its targeted design for female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. By addressing the unique challenges women face, Eastern Bank and its partners have created a personalised, accessible learning experience that can be life-changing for many.
Consider some of the platform’s standout features:
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Online Accessibility: Participants can join from anywhere with internet access, making this programme ideal for women with limited mobility or located in rural areas.
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Community and Support: Beyond self-paced learning, this platform is expected to foster a community where women entrepreneurs can share insights, support one another, and connect with potential mentors.
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Cost-Free Access: This platform provides financially accessible resources, helping break down barriers to quality education in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Practical Impact: Building Financial Confidence
Through this training, women will gain the confidence and skills to make informed financial decisions, helping them secure financing, manage business cash flow, and achieve financial independence.
Some examples of real-world benefits include:
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Enhanced Creditworthiness: Women borrowers who complete this training can improve their standing when applying for loans, making them more appealing to banks.
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Better Business Forecasting: By learning financial analysis and forecasting, these entrepreneurs can make accurate projections for their businesses, helping avoid cash flow issues and achieve sustainable growth.
The Long-Term Vision: A Stronger Bangladesh Economy
This training is about more than just personal growth—it’s about building a resilient economy. As women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, they create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the national economy.
According to Ali Sabet, Team Leader of the SPCSSECP, this programme has the potential to significantly impact Bangladesh’s economic landscape by:
- Creating sustainable employment opportunities.
- Elevating the standard of business operations across the SME sector.
- Contributing to gender equality in the business world.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Future for Women Entrepreneurs
The launch of this online financial literacy platform by Eastern Bank PLC, in partnership with ADB and Bangladesh Bank, marks a promising step towards a more inclusive business environment. By providing women entrepreneurs with accessible education, this initiative helps level the playing field, enabling them to compete, grow, and contribute to a thriving Bangladeshi economy.
For every woman in Bangladesh who dreams of running her own business or expanding her existing one, this platform offers not just financial literacy but a pathway to entrepreneurial success. As they say, “Knowledge is power”—and for these women entrepreneurs, the power to change their futures is just a click away.
Learn More:
- Financial Literacy
- Women Entrepreneurs
- Bangladesh Bank
- Asian Development Bank
- Eastern Bank PLC
