LightCastle Conducts SME Accelerator Training for the Enterprise Development Program of the iDE Uddokta Project in Sylhet

iDE Uddokta Participants from Komolganj, Sylhet with the LightCastle Team & Guests from WeGro, Parmeeda & Khaas Food

LightCastle Partners conducted an entrepreneurship scale-up program for the iDE Uddokta project in Sylhet. International Development Enterprise (iDE) implements the project together with support from Chevron and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh. Above all, they intend to empower local entrepreneurs for improving the lives and livelihoods of rural communities. The project also aims to build inclusive market systems that link smallholder producers to more rewarding opportunities.

On this occasion, Four batches of SME entrepreneurs received training as part of the “Enterprise Development Program – Uddokta”. LightCastle partners have conducted two accelerator programs in Komolganj and Sunamganj. Earlier, the previous two accelerator programs were held in Shantiganj and Moulvibazar.

The training sessions took place from 11th – 13th October in Sunamganj and from 30th October – 01st November in Komolganj. The consecutive 3-day training programs consisted of the top 35 entrepreneurs from the regions. The program’s primary objective was to provide these budding entrepreneurs with business development support and investment readiness training. LightCastle’s Senior Business Consultant & Project Manager Omar Farhan Khan along with Field Coordinator Nazmul Kabir Al-Mehmud and Business Analyst John Gomes, conducted the sessions.

Training Curriculum for the Accelerator Program

The sessions were based on the LightCastle Partners SME curriculum module, which included learning how to analyze and comprehend a business and the pillars of entrepreneurship, explore a lean business model, comprehend the value of marketing and branding, construct a financial statement and understand SME financing, and how to apply for MFI loans, likewise have a general understanding of digital literacy and how digital marketing can help expand their businesses.

These in-depth lectures aided these entrepreneurs in their understanding of various different aspects of maintaining a business.

• From ideation to execution
• Maintaining financial records to be able to apply for MFI loans
• Marketing for boosting sales
• Art of pitching so they can better present their ideas to potential financiers and investors

Investment Readiness and Demo Day

On 13th October & 1st November, The investment readiness and demo day event took place where the entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to relevant MFI Industry experts & marker intermediaries like Khaas Food, WeGro & Parmeeda.