Successful Mentorship Session on Business Finance and Loan Processing by WSME Business Support Center

Successful Mentorship Session on Business Finance and Loan Processing by WSME Business Support Center

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite, successfully conducted an informative mentorship session on Business Finance and Loan Processing on February 27, 2024. The session featured esteemed specialists Mr. Monir Hossain, Senior Vice President and Mirpur Road Branch Head at UCB PLC, and Mr. Asif Ahnaf, Finance Secretary at e-CAB. The event saw the active participation of 37 women entrepreneurs eager to enhance their understanding of business finance and loan processing.

The webinar focused on a range of critical topics, including UCB’s alternative investment subsidy scheme, freelancing financial issues, spouse guarantor issues in pursuing loans from banks, export logistics, Islamic finance schemes, and e-CAB membership. The session provided a platform for participants to raise their questions and gain expert advice on various financial matters.

Key Discussion Points and Participant Queries:

  1. Nusrat:
    • Queries: e-CAB membership, Mukti Fund – BB Women Financing Initiative, loan process, TAX submission issue, LTD, business canvas, spouse guarantor issues with Bangladesh Bank (BRPD)
  2. Hasina Khanom:
    • Queries: Work order finance, freelancing-based finance issues, spouse guarantor issues, seeking contact with Mr. Monir Hossain for further guidance
  3. Najiba Wajiha Mahboob:
    • Queries: e-CAB membership, freelancing-based finance issues, seeking further advice from Mr. Monir Hossain
  4. Mohsena Munna
    • Queries: Islamic finance, profit-sharing models, equity-sharing models, financial and regulatory compliance documents
  5. Nasrin Akter Mila
    • Queries: Export logistics, jute fiber business, 50% TT, Monash University research
  6. Farida Easmin NARI
    • Queries: Export logistics, factory development
  7. Nazma Rahman Rozy
    • Explored strategies for securing business loans and managing financial risks

Participant Feedback: Participants expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive and insightful session. They appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with experienced financial specialists and receive tailored advice for their unique business challenges. The session was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate financial complexities effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive sessions. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.

Unlocking Digital Potential: Women Entrepreneurs Webinar on Marketing Strategies

Unlocking Digital Potential: Women Entrepreneurs Webinar on Marketing Strategies

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Successful Mentorship Session on Digital Marketing by WSME Business Support Center

Date: February 20, 2024
Specialists:

  • Mr. Moshiur Rahman, CEO, Wow Digital
  • Mr. Shah Poran, CEO, Overlay Asia
    Participants: 17

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite, successfully conducted an insightful mentorship session on Digital Marketing Q&A on February 20, 2024. The session featured esteemed specialists Mr. Moshiur Rahman, CEO of Wow Digital, and Mr. Shah Poran, CEO of Overlay Asia. The event saw active participation from 17 women entrepreneurs eager to enhance their digital marketing strategies.

The webinar focused on several critical aspects of digital marketing, including Facebook page boosting issues, marketplace sustainability strategies, and website design. The session provided a platform for participants to raise their questions and gain expert advice on various digital marketing challenges.

Key Discussion Points and Participant Queries:

  1. Najiba Wajiha Mahboob:
    • Business: Tourism
    • Query: How can I generate more customers for my tourism business?
    • Discussion: Strategies for enhancing online visibility and attracting more customers through targeted digital marketing campaigns.
  2. Nazma Rahman:
    • Query: Facebook boosting and traffic issues.
    • Discussion: Effective techniques for boosting Facebook posts and increasing traffic to social media pages.
  3. Nusrat Khan:
    • Query: Sales strategy.
    • Discussion: Developing and implementing effective sales strategies to drive business growth.
  4. Farhana Munmun:
    • Query: General digital marketing strategies.
    • Discussion: Broad insights into digital marketing practices and tools.
  5. Hosne Ara Khan Ruma:
    • Query: Website design.
    • Discussion: Best practices for creating user-friendly and engaging websites that convert visitors into customers.
  6. Momtaz Begum:
    • Query: Digital marketing techniques.
    • Discussion: Strategies for leveraging digital marketing to enhance business performance.
  7. Saira:
    • Query: Digital marketing tools.
    • Discussion: Overview of essential digital marketing tools and their applications.
  8. Santonu Nokrek:
    • Query: Marketplace sustainability strategy.
    • Discussion: Sustainable practices for maintaining and growing an online marketplace.
  9. Shara Binte Hamid:
    • Query: Facebook page boosting issues.
    • Discussion: Solutions for optimizing Facebook ads and improving engagement rates.
  10. Sharlina Alam:
    • Query: Digital marketing strategies.
    • Discussion: Tailored advice on enhancing digital marketing efforts.
  11. Rubina:
    • Query: BSTI-related issues.
    • Discussion: Addressing specific regulatory concerns impacting digital marketing.
  12. Papia Sultana Poly:
    • Query: Digital marketing strategies.
    • Discussion: Personalized guidance on improving digital marketing tactics.
  13. Papia Sultan:
    • Query: Effective use of digital marketing tools.
    • Discussion: Practical advice on selecting and using digital marketing tools efficiently.
  14. Dilruba Husna:
    • Query: Facebook page boosting issues.
    • Discussion: Insights into improving Facebook ad performance.
  15. Tania Shopno:
    • Query: Digital marketing optimization.
    • Discussion: Techniques for optimizing digital marketing strategies for better results.
  16. Jinia Afrin:
    • Query: Website design and digital marketing.
    • Discussion: Creating a cohesive digital presence through effective website design and marketing strategies.
  17. Waresa Khanam:
    • Query: Digital marketing strategies.
    • Discussion: Comprehensive advice on leveraging digital marketing for business growth.

Participant Feedback: Participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive and practical advice provided by Mr. Moshiur Rahman and Mr. Shah Poran. They valued the opportunity to engage directly with experienced digital marketing specialists and receive tailored guidance on their unique business challenges. The session was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate digital marketing complexities effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive sessions. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.

Comprehensive Workshop on Holistic Marketing by WSME Business Support Center

Comprehensive Workshop on Holistic Marketing by WSME Business Support Center

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite in collaboration with North South University, successfully conducted a comprehensive workshop on Holistic Marketing on February 14, 2024. The workshop, led by Mr. Omar Nasif Abdullah, faculty from the Management and International Business Department at North South University, and Mr. Shah Paran, CEO of Overlay Asia, attracted 40 active participants from a confirmed list of 67.

Workshop Overview:

The workshop was conducted in two phases, each focusing on crucial aspects of marketing and digital marketing to empower women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed for business growth.

Phase 1: Holistic Marketing

In the first one and a half hours, Mr. Omar Nasif Abdullah provided an in-depth understanding of holistic marketing. He covered fundamental branches of marketing, emphasizing the importance of segmentation, targeting, and brand development. Mr. Abdullah’s session highlighted:

  • Marketing Fundamentals: An overview of the basic principles of marketing and their application in real-world scenarios.
  • Segmentation and Targeting: Techniques for identifying and reaching target customer segments effectively.
  • Brand Development: Strategies for creating and maintaining a strong brand presence in the market.

Phase 2: Digital Marketing

The second phase, led by Mr. Shah Paran, focused on digital marketing trends, tricks, and tips to enhance brand visibility, customer engagement, and overall business growth. Key topics included:

  • Facebook Marketing: Detailed exploration of Facebook’s role in attracting and retaining customers, especially during peak seasons.
  • Inbox Automation Strategies: Importance of streamlining communication processes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction through automated responses.
  • Basic Boosting Process: Insights into creating impactful Facebook ads and dissecting competitor advertisements to gain a competitive edge.
  • Customer Engagement: Building a loyal customer base through effective digital marketing strategies.

Engaging Q&A Session:

The workshop concluded with an engaging Q&A session, reflecting the participants’ eagerness to understand marketing specifics related to their businesses. Both trainers addressed queries on various topics, including:

  • Acquiring customers during peak seasons
  • Building a loyal Facebook customer base
  • Leveraging digital marketing for business success

The dynamic exchange of knowledge showcased the commitment of the WeFi Center and Overlay Asia to empower women entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical strategies in a collaborative setting.

Participant Feedback:

Participants expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive and practical advice provided by the trainers. They appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with experienced marketing professionals and receive tailored guidance on their unique business challenges. The workshop was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate marketing complexities effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive workshops. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.

Women Entrepreneurs Gain Legal Clarity at BreakBite’s Q&A Session

Women Entrepreneurs Gain Legal Clarity at BreakBite’s Q&A Session

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Successful Mentorship Session on Business Legal Q&A by WSME Business Support Center

Date: February 6, 2024
Specialist: Mr. Shahriar Kabir, Legal Consultant, BreakBite E-Business Limited
Participants: 15

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite, successfully conducted an informative mentorship session on Business Legal Q&A on February 6, 2024. The session featured esteemed legal consultant Mr. Shahriar Kabir from BreakBite E-Business Limited and saw active participation from 15 women entrepreneurs.

The webinar focused on addressing various legal challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including issues related to trademarks, BSTI regulations, trade licenses, VAT, and other personal business legal matters. The session provided a platform for participants to raise their questions and gain expert advice on navigating the complex legal landscape of running a business.

Key Discussion Points and Participant Queries:

  1. Nasreen Sultana:
    • Query: Questions on TIN, BIN, IRC, and ERC.
    • Discussion: Mr. Kabir provided detailed explanations on these legal identifiers and their importance for business compliance.
  2. Afroza Khatun:
    • Query: Export AIT always comes with an extra amount and rebate facility during export is 20%. Issues related to agro products such as potatoes, cabbage, and pumpkins.
    • Discussion: Solutions were provided to manage export AIT and utilize the rebate facility effectively. Guidance on compliance for exporting agro products was also discussed.
  3. Afroza Naznin Shumi:
    • Query: Applied for a trademark two years ago and needs to update it.
    • Discussion: Mr. Kabir explained the process for updating trademarks and the necessary steps to ensure legal protection for her brand.
  4. Hasina Khanom:
    • Query: Need an appointment to resolve VAT issues.
    • Discussion: Mr. Kabir addressed her VAT concerns and recommended scheduling a follow-up appointment for a detailed resolution.

Participant Feedback: The participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive and practical advice provided by Mr. Shahriar Kabir. They valued the opportunity to engage directly with an experienced legal consultant and receive tailored guidance on their unique business challenges. The session was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to navigate legal complexities effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive sessions. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.

 

Workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development by WSME Business Support Center

Workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development by WSME Business Support Center

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite in collaboration with North South University, successfully conducted an online workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development on January 27, 2024. The workshop was led by Dr. Farzana Nahid, Associate Professor from the Marketing Department of North South University and Founder Director of NSU Startups Next, and attracted 30 enthusiastic women entrepreneurs.

Workshop Overview:

The three-hour intensive workshop focused on providing case-specific marketing and promotion-related solutions to participants. Dr. Farzana Nahid offered one-to-one tailored guidance, addressing various challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in their businesses.

Key Recommendations:

  1. Enhancing Online Presence:
    • Dr. Nahid emphasized the importance of a strong online presence for business success. She provided actionable strategies for improving website functionality, leveraging social media platforms, and optimizing search engine visibility to attract and retain customers.
  2. Exploring Referral Marketing:
    • The workshop highlighted the benefits of referral marketing as a cost-effective way to increase customer acquisition and loyalty. Dr. Nahid discussed methods for implementing referral programs and incentivizing existing customers to refer new clients.
  3. Refining Product Presentation:
    • Dr. Nahid underscored the significance of product presentation in influencing customer perceptions and driving sales. She offered practical advice on improving packaging design, product photography, and overall branding to create a compelling visual identity.

Interactive and Personalized Guidance:

Participants were actively engaged throughout the session, benefiting from personalized advice tailored to their specific business needs. Dr. Nahid’s expert insights and practical solutions empowered the entrepreneurs to overcome their marketing challenges and enhance their brand development strategies.

Participant Feedback:

The participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive and practical advice provided by Dr. Farzana Nahid. They valued the opportunity to receive tailored guidance and engage in interactive discussions. The session was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to improve their marketing and promotional efforts effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive workshops. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.